http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Bornfor 2026-04-03T19:46:01Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.44.0 http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Grey_Bison&diff=5049 2013-05-29T02:03:07Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> <br /> {{Infobox Bestiary<br /> <br /> | common_name = Grey bison<br /> | image = Albino bison 1sfw.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | other_names =<br /> | natural_habitat = Colder climates<br /> | classification = Mammal<br /> | average_size = 9' long, 5'+ at shoulder<br /> | average_weight = 2,000+ lbs<br /> | coloring = Dusky grey, lighter in winter<br /> | distinguishing_features =<br /> <br /> }}<br /> <br /> Called so for their dusky grayish hue that refracts heat better then darker colors, these herd animals are large in both size and strength. Over 5 ft high at the shoulder as long as 9 feet and weighing over a ton even Tigers have problem taking down these animals. In winter these animals shed their gray coat for an even paler version. Only one calf per cow but these animals are fiercely protective of all children they have as the young ones are often surrounded by the elders when running.<br /> <br /> =Description=<br /> <br /> =Habitat=<br /> <br /> =Breeding Habits=<br /> <br /> =Other Characteristics=<br /> <br /> {{fauna}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Black_Lion&diff=5048 2013-05-29T01:54:06Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Bestiary<br /> <br /> | common_name = Black lion<br /> | image = Kenya4.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | other_names = Midnight Lion<br /> | natural_habitat = Savannah<br /> | classification = Mammals<br /> | average_size = 9' long, 3' to shoulder<br /> | average_weight = 400 lbs<br /> | coloring = Dark brown with black mane, females lack mane<br /> | distinguishing_features = Dark coloration<br /> <br /> }}<br /> <br /> This animal of the savanna is highly revered and feared by many people. These animals live in groups and prefer to strangle there prey slowly and rip it apart as opposed to the tiger. Some groups can have as many as 25 but 10 is much more common.<br /> <br /> =Description=<br /> <br /> With a coat of dark brown and a mane of black it would seem to give this cat an ominous presence. Their eyes have rich bronze tones. They are a great deal like regular lions in size and form. The male of the species is much larger than the female, the female lacks a mane but commonly are the same coloration. The lion's fur is short along the body and face, but the male's mane grows long and silky though tufted to stick up about the head. Ears are pointed and the males also have a tuft of the same colored fur on the tip of their slender tales. Females are much more subtle with only the dark fur and eyes. <br /> <br /> =Habitat=<br /> <br /> Black lions tend to live in savannah type regions, warm areas where there is plenty of game. Because they live among groups, prides, there is always a concern over food and so the pride will migrate about their habitat as the food does. Normally however this lion however will chose an area to mark and that is where the pride lives, if left alone these animals are very territorial and will normally choose one area to be the are that they spend the majority of their time. The lioness will leave the pride and move to another area of the habitat for the birth of cubs. <br /> <br /> =Breeding Habits=<br /> <br /> Most black lionesses are able to reproduce by the time they are four years of age, they don't mate at any specific time of the year, they can go into heat multiple times during the year. During a mating bout the lioness may mate with more than one male while she's in heat but normally with one male they will mate twenty to forty times a day, the mating bouts can carry on for several days. <br /> <br /> The average gestation period is around 110 days and the female gives birth to between one and four cubs in a den which is secluded from the rest of the pride, she will hunt for herself while the cubs are helpless, moving the cubs to different den sites as they grow older to prevent the scent of the young building up in any one den site. Usually the mother does not integrate herself and her cubs back into the pride until the cubs are six to eight weeks old. However, sometimes this introduction to pride life occurs earlier, particularly if other lionesses have given birth at about the same time. For instance, lionesses in a pride often synchronize their reproductive cycles so that they cooperate in the raising and suckling of the young.<br /> <br /> <br /> =Other Characteristics=<br /> <br /> They becoming increasingly more rare to find in the wild, the cubs are sought out to raise as pets because as opposed to the normal lion the black lion cub is extremely impressionable. Because of the decreasing number of these animals it is becoming more common to find that the killing of or sale of anything relating to the beasts is becoming banned in normal markets. The sale of a black lion cub is done usually on the black market because there are very few reputable traders that will deal in the sale as cubs normally are only taken when the pride has been slaughtered. It is unusual for any member of a pride to survive when humans come to take the cubs as they protect their young fiercely and to death.<br /> <br /> {{fauna}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Autumn_Snake&diff=5047 2013-05-29T01:40:19Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Bestiary<br /> <br /> | common_name = Autumn snake<br /> | image = Copperhead New 1 S.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | other_names =<br /> | natural_habitat = Wooded areas<br /> | classification = Reptile<br /> | average_size = 4.5'<br /> | average_weight = 8-12 ounces<br /> | coloring = Rusty orange with triangular markings that are crimson fading inwardly to bright red<br /> | distinguishing_features = Fall colors, triangular head and markings<br /> <br /> }}<br /> <br /> =Description=<br /> A multi colored snake that ranges through the tones of red, orange, and brown with triangular and black markings. Because these snakes can grow to 4 or 5 feet in length, their markings and colors are highly noticeable and in the regions that they inhabit, they are bright in comparison to their surroundings to either ward off preditors or display themselves for mating. <br /> <br /> =Habitat=<br /> Normally the Autumn snake can be found in wooded areas though there is a variation of the serpent that is lighter in color which lives in savanna and grasslands areas. The version of the reptile that choses the wooded areas is more likely to make it's home in more rocky areas. They don't lay eggs so the shelter that they find for their young is usually the same, rocky outcroppings and contained spaces. <br /> <br /> =Breeding Habits=<br /> Autumn snakes breed in late summer, but not every year: sometimes a female will produce young for several years running, then not breed at all for a time. The females will feed heavily before their young are born and spend the time from their birth til they are long enough to hunt for themselves. When they do give birth this reptile does not lay eggs but gives birth to live young, about 3 or 4. They tend to be about 4.5 feet long and prey on rodents.<br /> <br /> =Other Characteristics=<br /> The Autumn snake is a front fanged snake that enters in a poison to the bloodstream which cause heart failure to the animal. Fatal to humans if not treated, the animal prefers to stay away from intruders but attacks when provoked.<br /> <br /> {{fauna}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Amur_Tiger&diff=5046 2013-05-29T01:39:50Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Bestiary<br /> <br /> | common_name = Amur tiger<br /> | image = Goldtiger.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | other_names =<br /> | natural_habitat = Colder climates<br /> | classification = Mammal<br /> | average_size = 5' at shoulder<br /> | average_weight = 750-800 lbs<br /> | coloring = Pale orange, stripes<br /> | distinguishing_features = Coat turns lighter during winter<br /> <br /> }}<br /> The Amur tiger is a cat that lives in colder climates, it is a massive animal whose coat turns a lighter color as the season changes. These beasts are consummate hunters and the animals that they stalk down are killed in an oddly neat kind of way.<br /> <br /> =Description=<br /> Amur Tigers are massive cats that are a pale shade of orange naturally, they have the standard tiger striping though every tiger bears a different pattern of stripes, as distinctive to each tiger as a human's fingerprints. The stripes of the cat run all the way down through their legs, covering their entire body with the streaking. Their muzzles and markings around their faces are normally a lighter shade of orange as well as their bellies and their legs.<br /> <br /> During the winter months the Amur Tiger's coat starts to change color and becomes lighter, the stripes growing more pale along with the whole of their orange coat. Because they are already a pale kind of orange to begin with it is possible that the diminution of color in the winter months is to aide them in concealing them in snowy environments. <br /> <br /> =Habitat=<br /> These tigers are found in areas that are colder, though they are able to survive in regions where the weather is warm at times, they are unlikely to remain there. Because of the location where they prefer to live, their coats are extremely thick and shaggy, so they are much better suited to cold climates. <br /> <br /> =Breeding Habits=<br /> Amur Tigers reach sexual maturity at four years of age. They mate at any time of the year. A female signals her receptiveness by leaving urine deposits and scratch marks on trees. She will spend 5 or 6 days with the male, during which she is receptive for three days. Gestation lasts from 3 to 3.5 months. Litter size is normally two or four cubs but there can be as many as six. <br /> <br /> The cubs are born blind in a sheltered den and are left alone when the female leaves to hunt for food. Cubs are divided equally between genders at birth. However, by adulthood there are usually two to four females for every male. The female cubs remain with their mothers longer, and later they establish territories close to their original ranges. The Amur Tiger has been known to breed with tigers of different kinds though it is rare because of the seclusion and harsh environment where the Amur lives.<br /> <br /> =Other Characteristics=<br /> Extremely good eyesight, much better than the standard tiger. <br /> Fastidious in killing, the Amur Tiger commonly will use a forepaw to swipe at the neck of smaller prey, breaking the neck for a clean kill <br /> <br /> {{fauna}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Amber_Bear&diff=5045 2013-05-29T01:31:39Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Bestiary<br /> <br /> | common_name = Amber bear<br /> | image = Spectacledbear.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | other_names =<br /> | natural_habitat = [[Darian River]]<br /> | classification = Mammal<br /> | average_size = 7-8' tall when standing, 5' to shoulder<br /> | average_weight = 800 lbs<br /> | coloring = Dark brown to caramel with light brown 'mask' on face<br /> | distinguishing_features = Facial markings<br /> <br /> }}<br /> A medium sized bear with an amber, light brown colored coat and pale markings on their face, normally a forest or wooded area dwelling mammal. These bears consume fish and smaller prey and though they do not actively hunt humans, will defend themselves fiercely against them.<br /> <br /> <br /> =Description=<br /> The Amber bear is a mid-sized species of bear. Overall, its fur is light brown/amber in color. This kind of bear normally has distinctive beige-colored markings across its face and upper chest, though not all Amber bears have the markings on their chests, their markings on the face are normally constant in the beast. <br /> <br /> The pattern and extent of pale markings are slightly different on each individual bear, and bears can be readily distinguished by this. Males are larger than females in dimensions though both male and female bears don't vary much in the standard size. They can be anywhere from 7-8 feet tall standing and 5 feet at the shoulder. Weighing at about 800 pounds they can be a accounted for many a hunting accident.<br /> <br /> =Habitat=<br /> The Amber bear has a reputation for being adaptable, as it is found in a wide variety of habitats and altitudes throughout its range, including forests,grasslands, and scrub deserts. Normally however the Amber Bear is found near the [[Darian River]] which is known for it's wooded banks and preserved nature. They can bee seen along the Darian river hunting various fish that swim upstream.<br /> <br /> =Breeding Habits=<br /> Mating may occur at almost any time but normally occurs in the early part of the season, spring, or at the beginning of the wet season. The mating pair are together for one to two weeks, during which they will copulate multiple times. Births usually occur in the dry season, during the winter. The gestation period is 5 to 8 months. Normally only two cubs are born at a time, though one female is able to bear anywhere from two to four. The cubs are born with their eyes closed and weigh about 11 oz each. Births usually occur in a small den and the female waits until the cubs can see and walk before she leaves with them. The cubs often stay with the female for one year before striking out on their own.<br /> =Other Characteristics=<br /> Amber bears are commonly hunted for its think fur and hide it is known to also be praised by Barbarian tribes.<br /> <br /> {{fauna}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Rock_Rat&diff=5044 2013-05-29T01:29:41Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> {{Infobox Bestiary<br /> <br /> | common_name = Rock rat<br /> | image = Red rat.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | other_names =<br /> | natural_habitat = Worldwide<br /> | classification = Mammal<br /> | average_size = 5&quot; with tail<br /> | average_weight = .5-1 lb<br /> | coloring = Reddish brown with black flecks<br /> | distinguishing_features = Coloration, plays dead<br /> <br /> }}<br /> <br /> This name was derived from the rats defense of 'play dead'. Often a house wife or child will be caught by seeing this seemingly lifeless animal suddenly get up and scurry away. This might seem as an odd defense but it seems to work. The rat is ruddy brown in shade with flecks of black for camouflage against raptors and other predators. It can be as long as 5 inches with tail. They are not known for climbing as much as burrowing and swimming. Habitat is various. As many as 10 young born blind. Adult in two months.<br /> <br /> =Description=<br /> <br /> =Habitat=<br /> <br /> =Breeding Habits=<br /> <br /> =Other Characteristics=<br /> <br /> {{fauna}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ellurian_West_Teldanari&diff=4783 2013-05-15T00:59:07Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Ladaakh */</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Race<br /> | common_name = Etenari<br /> | image = Etenari.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | formal_name = Ellurian West Teldanari<br /> | average_height = 5'8&quot;<br /> | average_weight = <br /> | eye_color =widely varied, but does include the strange reddish pink of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | hair_color =widely varied, but includes the white of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | country_of_origin =Currently from [[Elluria]] via [[Aslar]], ultimately originating in [[Teldanar]]<br /> | significant_populations =Elluria<br /> | language1 =Etenari language (a dialect of Teldanari)<br /> | language2 =<br /> | language3 =<br /> | religion1 =[[Alouism]]<br /> | religion2 =<br /> | religion3 =<br /> | related_races =[[Teldanar]]i<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Ellurian West Teldanari''', most commonly called '''Etenari''', are a group of [[Teldanar]]i people who were relocated to [[Elluria]] from [[Aslar]] in the time before the [[History_of_Elluria#The_Southland_War |Southland War]]. Most of these people were from the middle regions of Aslar and spoke Aslar as their native language. Due to their relative isolation from other Teldanari peoples, they have developed their own unique spin on Teldanari customs. Also, due to geographical relocations over their history and their open-ness to &quot;adoption&quot; (and looser traditional definition of marriage), these people tend to have a lower number of the very pale-white (perhaps albino) features that their eastern cousins display. Many Etenari people look indistinguishable from very fair Ellurian or Aslarian humans (excluding, of course, mode of dress).<br /> <br /> After their ultimate relocation from Aslar into Elluria due to the Southland War, many Etenari found work in the docks and fishing cities of the western coast of Elluria. They quickly became expert seamen, known for their patient mastery of many ocean-related skills. Etenari-prepared fish is a local delicacy in some parts of western Elluria.<br /> <br /> ==Culture==<br /> Etenari revere [[Alou]], the &quot;nameless god&quot; (also &quot;the faceless god&quot;). From the age of 12 on, both men and women cover their faces and their bodies with loose cloth (normally white) as a display of faith. <br /> <br /> ===Beliefs===<br /> The Etenari have a song which is passed from generation to generation, telling of the greatness of Alou and how Alou spun the world into existence off of a great wheel. The world and all creations of Alou were beautiful and flawless, but Man grew too enamored of the power of the Wheel and tried to use it for his own amusement, thus irreparably altering both the nature of humanoids and the world. Alou vowed to fix the mistake Man had made by removing Man from being (and thus Men took up the veil (''laadakh'', called ''laakh'' among the Teldanari) to hide themselves from Alou), but one child's innocence and purity stopped his hand. <br /> <br /> Mankind was saved, but the Etenari wear the veil and sing the song still, to remind themselves to be humble and think always of the mercy of Alou and the beauty of the natural state of things.<br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Circles of Loyalty===<br /> Etenari categorize their relationships based on &quot;circles&quot; of importance and loyalty. The lower the number of an individual's &quot;circle&quot;, the more important and prioritized their interactions are with Etenari people. This is, of course, just a general idea and not a hard and fast rule. Etenari are human beings and make many exceptions to this hierarchy every day.<br /> <br /> Some people have argued for the combining of circles one and two below, since in practice there is usually little difference between how a family member is treated and a clanmember is treated.<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Circle'''<br /> |'''Includes'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''First'''<br /> |Immediate family, one's spouse and children, siblings, parents, etc.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Second'''<br /> |Extended family and one's entire clan.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Third'''<br /> |Business partners and known Etenari of other clans.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fourth'''<br /> |Relevant non-Etenari.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fifth'''<br /> |Everyone and everything else.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Peculiarities==<br /> ===Ladaakh===<br /> Probably the most immediately distinctive characteristic of the Etenari is that it is customary to wear a full-body veil. This is usually a thin fabric, ideal for shading the body in hot weather, which obscures the form (and in most cases the gender) of the body. Hands and feet are also covered. Among more orthodox Etenari, the only part of their bodies commonly visible by the naked eye is their eyes. <br /> <br /> Etenari wear the ladaakh as part of their religious devotions (see under &quot;beliefs&quot;).<br /> <br /> ====Forms of the Ladaakh====<br /> Given the change in climate that the Etenari have endured (coming from a desert area and then moving up into a cooler forested area, then being displaced into temperate Elluria), it is unsurprising that a number of variations on the ladaakh have come about. Older people tend to stick to the longer more Teldanari-style ladaakh, while younger people might prefer a thinner fabric.<br /> <br /> A particularly controversial development in recent years is the itlaakh, a covering which hugs the body while still keeping the traditional &quot;modesty&quot;. People who wear the itlaakh have covered hands and heads, but may wear normal shoes and outer clothing. Wearing of the itlaakh is considered very liberal and &quot;youth-style&quot;, and often frowned upon by traditionalists.<br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Family and Oaths===<br /> Etenari people place high value on Family and Oaths. A person will gladly lay down their lives to protect their kinsmen, and will do what is necessary to ensure the continuation of their clan. <br /> <br /> A promise made by an Etenari person is widely considered as good as a deed already done.<br /> <br /> ===Dietary concerns===<br /> Etenari people refuse to eat eggs or baby animals out of deference to the wishes to Alou. (See &quot;Beliefs&quot; above.) Breads are bound together with chia rather than egg. They have no problem eating seeds and grains as these are not recognised as &quot;offspring&quot;. Something which requires aid (in this case water) to become life is not considered a child. Eggs hatch on their own, seeds (agriculturally grown) require preparation of the soil, toil, careful handling, etc, to produce &quot;offspring&quot; (seedlings). <br /> <br /> ===Wholeism===<br /> The traditional Etenari consideration is that a family or clan is one being rather than many separate ones bound together by circumstance. This extends to their understanding of nature and the world at whole, as well. One animal is the same as another, one plant the same as another. They are instances of a greater whole. It is for this reason that an individual will gladly give their life to ensure continuation of their family or clan: their life is not being wasted, it is simply one part of the whole acting to defend the whole.<br /> <br /> ===Etenari Marriage===<br /> Marriage is less of a binding contract for the Etenari than it is for many societies. A marriage to a person includes a pact to take care of the partner at all costs, to care for the children of the woman in the marriage (there is no homosexual marriage equivalent among the Etenari), and to honor the clans of both spouses.<br /> <br /> Etenari are free to take other lovers, and quite often do. Those Etenari who are seafarers tend to have several relationships on the side, though there is a taboo about creating anything stable or long-lasting with anyone other than their spouse. Any children from these other relationships are not considered Etenari or part of the clan of the father if the mother is not Etenari. These children are considered members only of the social group of their mothers. The children of Etenari mothers who are the product of a union with a non-Etenari are considered to be Etenari, but are not considered children of the non-Etenari parent at all.<br /> <br /> ==Language==<br /> Ellurian West Teldanari speak an Aslar-influenced dialect of Teldanari which is written with Aslarian glyphs.<br /> <br /> ==Etenari Clans==<br /> Etenari people generally fall into one of the five clans. There are technically six, but one has since gone extinct.<br /> <br /> ===Nisaadari===<br /> Etenari Nisaad are the Etenari equivalent of priests or contemplative monks. They are the keepers of the song, givers of prophecy, and generally speaking thought of highly by the other clans. Initiated Etenari Nisaad maintain a telepathic link to one another with heavy consumption of the western variety of [[Nokos]] mushroom. Uninitiated Etenari Nisaad function as lorekeepers and social planners. It is not unusual to see a Nisaadar planning weddings or working with Nayinsari on business transactions.<br /> <br /> Etenari Nisaad are different from every other Etenari clan in that they allow for clan-changing by Etenayari (adopted Etenari people). Someone who was adopted into the Etenari later in life (generally as an adult) is not generally allowed to change clans. The Etenari Nisaad welcome newcomers, though.<br /> <br /> ===Tindasari===<br /> Etenayari Tindas, &quot;working Etenari&quot;, are generally people who seek a physical trade. The word &quot;tindas&quot;, and &quot;tinda&quot; have been adapted into local Ellurian slang in the places that the Etenari live. As the Tindasari that most non-Etenari come into contact with are sailors or fisherman, the word in Ellurian has come to mean &quot;foreign sailor&quot; or &quot;foreign seaman&quot;, specifically referring to Etenari people who work the waters.<br /> <br /> While this popular conception of the Tindasari is partially accurate, it is an incomplete picture of the Tindasari. A Tindasari person can be a toiler of the land (farmer) or a fish-cleaner/gutter, or a harvester. Tindasari represent the most populous clan of the Etenari, and most Etenari that non-Etenari come into contact with are from the Tindas clan.<br /> <br /> ===Nayinsari===<br /> Etenari Nayin are merchants and money-handlers of the Etenari. Generally a leader of the Etenari (from clan Ayin) will have two close advisors- the local leader of the Nayin clan (a money-handler and business decision maker) and a member of the Nisaad clan (lorekeeper, planners).<br /> <br /> Etenari Nayin are an exclusivist clan, only extremely rarely allowing &quot;adoptions&quot;. They are the second-smallest in terms of population, after the Ayin. Nayinari are the most likely of the five clans to have the distinctive extreme albinism which was made famous by the Teldanari.<br /> <br /> ===Ayinari===<br /> Etenari Ayin are leaders and decision-makers among the Etenari. People who are born to clan Ayin rarely stay in it, and almost every family among the Ayinaari has got family members in other clans.<br /> <br /> The leader of the local group of Etenari is generally an &quot;adopted&quot; Ayinar.<br /> <br /> ===Ransaari===<br /> Etenari Ransaar are craftspeople and hand-workers among the Etenari. They generally make useful things like clothing and rope and (rarely) books. Each family among the Ransaari has a specialty.<br /> <br /> Ransaari are very open to adoption of outsiders which possess knowledge of some useful skill. They are the second most likely (after the Tindasari) to have children from &quot;extra&quot; partnerships, and as such have the smallest number of traditionally Teldanari characteristics.<br /> <br /> ===Adoption===<br /> Etenari are distinguished from their Eastern cousins by their liberal attitude towards adoption of outsiders into the whole. Any person who proves themselves willing to lay down their lives to defend a clan of Etenari, or who takes up an oath of an Etenari person and sees it to completion becomes eligible for the status of ''Etenayari'', &quot;Found/Discovered Etenari&quot;. If the clan finds them to be worthy, they will become another member of that clan. Immediate full-blood siblings of the ''Etenayari'' are also considered to be ''Etenayari'', however recognition of this status requires that they themselves claim it by presenting themselves to the clan Fathers. The children of ''Etenayari'' are not ''Etenayari'', but rather simply Etenari.<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are expected to adhere to the same general guidelines as Etenari people themselves do: protect the Whole, keep one's oaths, etc. They are, however, not penalised if they fail to wear the veil (''laadakh'') and don't keep to the dietary restrictions (though this is frowned upon).<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are not clan-mobile, unlike Etenari. (They remain with the clan they are adopted into until they die, and cannot be adopted by/taken into another clan. The exception to this is ''Etenayari'' who later become ''Etenayari Nisaad'', ''Nisaadari'' (the contemplative Etenari equivalent of monks).)<br /> <br /> {{Navbox Race}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ellurian_West_Teldanari&diff=4782 2013-05-15T00:58:19Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Race<br /> | common_name = Etenari<br /> | image = Etenari.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | formal_name = Ellurian West Teldanari<br /> | average_height = 5'8&quot;<br /> | average_weight = <br /> | eye_color =widely varied, but does include the strange reddish pink of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | hair_color =widely varied, but includes the white of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | country_of_origin =Currently from [[Elluria]] via [[Aslar]], ultimately originating in [[Teldanar]]<br /> | significant_populations =Elluria<br /> | language1 =Etenari language (a dialect of Teldanari)<br /> | language2 =<br /> | language3 =<br /> | religion1 =[[Alouism]]<br /> | religion2 =<br /> | religion3 =<br /> | related_races =[[Teldanar]]i<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Ellurian West Teldanari''', most commonly called '''Etenari''', are a group of [[Teldanar]]i people who were relocated to [[Elluria]] from [[Aslar]] in the time before the [[History_of_Elluria#The_Southland_War |Southland War]]. Most of these people were from the middle regions of Aslar and spoke Aslar as their native language. Due to their relative isolation from other Teldanari peoples, they have developed their own unique spin on Teldanari customs. Also, due to geographical relocations over their history and their open-ness to &quot;adoption&quot; (and looser traditional definition of marriage), these people tend to have a lower number of the very pale-white (perhaps albino) features that their eastern cousins display. Many Etenari people look indistinguishable from very fair Ellurian or Aslarian humans (excluding, of course, mode of dress).<br /> <br /> After their ultimate relocation from Aslar into Elluria due to the Southland War, many Etenari found work in the docks and fishing cities of the western coast of Elluria. They quickly became expert seamen, known for their patient mastery of many ocean-related skills. Etenari-prepared fish is a local delicacy in some parts of western Elluria.<br /> <br /> ==Culture==<br /> Etenari revere [[Alou]], the &quot;nameless god&quot; (also &quot;the faceless god&quot;). From the age of 12 on, both men and women cover their faces and their bodies with loose cloth (normally white) as a display of faith. <br /> <br /> ===Beliefs===<br /> The Etenari have a song which is passed from generation to generation, telling of the greatness of Alou and how Alou spun the world into existence off of a great wheel. The world and all creations of Alou were beautiful and flawless, but Man grew too enamored of the power of the Wheel and tried to use it for his own amusement, thus irreparably altering both the nature of humanoids and the world. Alou vowed to fix the mistake Man had made by removing Man from being (and thus Men took up the veil (''laadakh'', called ''laakh'' among the Teldanari) to hide themselves from Alou), but one child's innocence and purity stopped his hand. <br /> <br /> Mankind was saved, but the Etenari wear the veil and sing the song still, to remind themselves to be humble and think always of the mercy of Alou and the beauty of the natural state of things.<br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Circles of Loyalty===<br /> Etenari categorize their relationships based on &quot;circles&quot; of importance and loyalty. The lower the number of an individual's &quot;circle&quot;, the more important and prioritized their interactions are with Etenari people. This is, of course, just a general idea and not a hard and fast rule. Etenari are human beings and make many exceptions to this hierarchy every day.<br /> <br /> Some people have argued for the combining of circles one and two below, since in practice there is usually little difference between how a family member is treated and a clanmember is treated.<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Circle'''<br /> |'''Includes'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''First'''<br /> |Immediate family, one's spouse and children, siblings, parents, etc.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Second'''<br /> |Extended family and one's entire clan.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Third'''<br /> |Business partners and known Etenari of other clans.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fourth'''<br /> |Relevant non-Etenari.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fifth'''<br /> |Everyone and everything else.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Peculiarities==<br /> ===Ladaakh===<br /> Probably the most immediately distinctive characteristic of the Etenari is that it is customary to wear a full-body veil. This is usually a thin fabric, ideal for shading the body in hot weather, which obscures the form (and in most cases the gender) of the body. Hands and feet are also covered. Among more orthodox Etenari, the only part of their bodies commonly visible by the naked eye is their eyes. <br /> <br /> Etenari wear the ladaakh as part of their religious devotions (see larger heading under &quot;culture&quot;).<br /> <br /> ====Forms of the Ladaakh====<br /> Given the change in climate that the Etenari have endured (coming from a desert area and then moving up into a cooler forested area, then being displaced into temperate Elluria), it is unsurprising that a number of variations on the ladaakh have come about. Older people tend to stick to the longer more Teldanari-style ladaakh, while younger people might prefer a thinner fabric.<br /> <br /> A particularly controversial development in recent years is the itlaakh, a covering which hugs the body while still keeping the traditional &quot;modesty&quot;. People who wear the itlaakh have covered hands and heads, but may wear normal shoes and outer clothing. Wearing of the itlaakh is considered very liberal and &quot;youth-style&quot;, and often frowned upon by traditionalists. <br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Family and Oaths===<br /> Etenari people place high value on Family and Oaths. A person will gladly lay down their lives to protect their kinsmen, and will do what is necessary to ensure the continuation of their clan. <br /> <br /> A promise made by an Etenari person is widely considered as good as a deed already done.<br /> <br /> ===Dietary concerns===<br /> Etenari people refuse to eat eggs or baby animals out of deference to the wishes to Alou. (See &quot;Beliefs&quot; above.) Breads are bound together with chia rather than egg. They have no problem eating seeds and grains as these are not recognised as &quot;offspring&quot;. Something which requires aid (in this case water) to become life is not considered a child. Eggs hatch on their own, seeds (agriculturally grown) require preparation of the soil, toil, careful handling, etc, to produce &quot;offspring&quot; (seedlings). <br /> <br /> ===Wholeism===<br /> The traditional Etenari consideration is that a family or clan is one being rather than many separate ones bound together by circumstance. This extends to their understanding of nature and the world at whole, as well. One animal is the same as another, one plant the same as another. They are instances of a greater whole. It is for this reason that an individual will gladly give their life to ensure continuation of their family or clan: their life is not being wasted, it is simply one part of the whole acting to defend the whole.<br /> <br /> ===Etenari Marriage===<br /> Marriage is less of a binding contract for the Etenari than it is for many societies. A marriage to a person includes a pact to take care of the partner at all costs, to care for the children of the woman in the marriage (there is no homosexual marriage equivalent among the Etenari), and to honor the clans of both spouses.<br /> <br /> Etenari are free to take other lovers, and quite often do. Those Etenari who are seafarers tend to have several relationships on the side, though there is a taboo about creating anything stable or long-lasting with anyone other than their spouse. Any children from these other relationships are not considered Etenari or part of the clan of the father if the mother is not Etenari. These children are considered members only of the social group of their mothers. The children of Etenari mothers who are the product of a union with a non-Etenari are considered to be Etenari, but are not considered children of the non-Etenari parent at all.<br /> <br /> ==Language==<br /> Ellurian West Teldanari speak an Aslar-influenced dialect of Teldanari which is written with Aslarian glyphs.<br /> <br /> ==Etenari Clans==<br /> Etenari people generally fall into one of the five clans. There are technically six, but one has since gone extinct.<br /> <br /> ===Nisaadari===<br /> Etenari Nisaad are the Etenari equivalent of priests or contemplative monks. They are the keepers of the song, givers of prophecy, and generally speaking thought of highly by the other clans. Initiated Etenari Nisaad maintain a telepathic link to one another with heavy consumption of the western variety of [[Nokos]] mushroom. Uninitiated Etenari Nisaad function as lorekeepers and social planners. It is not unusual to see a Nisaadar planning weddings or working with Nayinsari on business transactions.<br /> <br /> Etenari Nisaad are different from every other Etenari clan in that they allow for clan-changing by Etenayari (adopted Etenari people). Someone who was adopted into the Etenari later in life (generally as an adult) is not generally allowed to change clans. The Etenari Nisaad welcome newcomers, though.<br /> <br /> ===Tindasari===<br /> Etenayari Tindas, &quot;working Etenari&quot;, are generally people who seek a physical trade. The word &quot;tindas&quot;, and &quot;tinda&quot; have been adapted into local Ellurian slang in the places that the Etenari live. As the Tindasari that most non-Etenari come into contact with are sailors or fisherman, the word in Ellurian has come to mean &quot;foreign sailor&quot; or &quot;foreign seaman&quot;, specifically referring to Etenari people who work the waters.<br /> <br /> While this popular conception of the Tindasari is partially accurate, it is an incomplete picture of the Tindasari. A Tindasari person can be a toiler of the land (farmer) or a fish-cleaner/gutter, or a harvester. Tindasari represent the most populous clan of the Etenari, and most Etenari that non-Etenari come into contact with are from the Tindas clan.<br /> <br /> ===Nayinsari===<br /> Etenari Nayin are merchants and money-handlers of the Etenari. Generally a leader of the Etenari (from clan Ayin) will have two close advisors- the local leader of the Nayin clan (a money-handler and business decision maker) and a member of the Nisaad clan (lorekeeper, planners).<br /> <br /> Etenari Nayin are an exclusivist clan, only extremely rarely allowing &quot;adoptions&quot;. They are the second-smallest in terms of population, after the Ayin. Nayinari are the most likely of the five clans to have the distinctive extreme albinism which was made famous by the Teldanari.<br /> <br /> ===Ayinari===<br /> Etenari Ayin are leaders and decision-makers among the Etenari. People who are born to clan Ayin rarely stay in it, and almost every family among the Ayinaari has got family members in other clans.<br /> <br /> The leader of the local group of Etenari is generally an &quot;adopted&quot; Ayinar.<br /> <br /> ===Ransaari===<br /> Etenari Ransaar are craftspeople and hand-workers among the Etenari. They generally make useful things like clothing and rope and (rarely) books. Each family among the Ransaari has a specialty.<br /> <br /> Ransaari are very open to adoption of outsiders which possess knowledge of some useful skill. They are the second most likely (after the Tindasari) to have children from &quot;extra&quot; partnerships, and as such have the smallest number of traditionally Teldanari characteristics.<br /> <br /> ===Adoption===<br /> Etenari are distinguished from their Eastern cousins by their liberal attitude towards adoption of outsiders into the whole. Any person who proves themselves willing to lay down their lives to defend a clan of Etenari, or who takes up an oath of an Etenari person and sees it to completion becomes eligible for the status of ''Etenayari'', &quot;Found/Discovered Etenari&quot;. If the clan finds them to be worthy, they will become another member of that clan. Immediate full-blood siblings of the ''Etenayari'' are also considered to be ''Etenayari'', however recognition of this status requires that they themselves claim it by presenting themselves to the clan Fathers. The children of ''Etenayari'' are not ''Etenayari'', but rather simply Etenari.<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are expected to adhere to the same general guidelines as Etenari people themselves do: protect the Whole, keep one's oaths, etc. They are, however, not penalised if they fail to wear the veil (''laadakh'') and don't keep to the dietary restrictions (though this is frowned upon).<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are not clan-mobile, unlike Etenari. (They remain with the clan they are adopted into until they die, and cannot be adopted by/taken into another clan. The exception to this is ''Etenayari'' who later become ''Etenayari Nisaad'', ''Nisaadari'' (the contemplative Etenari equivalent of monks).)<br /> <br /> {{Navbox Race}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ellurian_West_Teldanari&diff=4778 2013-05-14T03:26:07Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Tindasari */</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Race<br /> | common_name = Etenari<br /> | image = Etenari.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | formal_name = Ellurian West Teldanari<br /> | average_height = 5'8&quot;<br /> | average_weight = <br /> | eye_color =widely varied, but does include the strange reddish pink of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | hair_color =widely varied, but includes the white of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | country_of_origin =Currently from [[Elluria]] via [[Aslar]], ultimately originating in [[Teldanar]]<br /> | significant_populations =Elluria<br /> | language1 =Etenari language (a dialect of Teldanari)<br /> | language2 =<br /> | language3 =<br /> | religion1 =[[Alouism]]<br /> | religion2 =<br /> | religion3 =<br /> | related_races =[[Teldanar]]i<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Ellurian West Teldanari''', most commonly called '''Etenari''', are a group of [[Teldanar]]i people who were relocated to [[Elluria]] from [[Aslar]] in the time before the [[History_of_Elluria#The_Southland_War |Southland War]]. Most of these people were from the middle regions of Aslar and spoke Aslar as their native language. Due to their relative isolation from other Teldanari peoples, they have developed their own unique spin on Teldanari customs. Also, due to geographical relocations over their history and their open-ness to &quot;adoption&quot; (and looser traditional definition of marriage), these people tend to have a lower number of the very pale-white (perhaps albino) features that their eastern cousins display. Many Etenari people look indistinguishable from very fair Ellurian or Aslarian humans (excluding, of course, mode of dress).<br /> <br /> After their ultimate relocation from Aslar into Elluria due to the Southland War, many Etenari found work in the docks and fishing cities of the western coast of Elluria. They quickly became expert seamen, known for their patient mastery of many ocean-related skills. Etenari-prepared fish is a local delicacy in some parts of western Elluria.<br /> <br /> ==Culture==<br /> Etenari revere [[Alou]], the &quot;nameless god&quot; (also &quot;the faceless god&quot;). From the age of 12 on, both men and women cover their faces and their bodies with loose cloth (normally white) as a display of faith. <br /> <br /> ===Beliefs===<br /> The Etenari have a song which is passed from generation to generation, telling of the greatness of Alou and how Alou spun the world into existence off of a great wheel. The world and all creations of Alou were beautiful and flawless, but Man grew too enamored of the power of the Wheel and tried to use it for his own amusement, thus irreparably altering both the nature of humanoids and the world. Alou vowed to fix the mistake Man had made by removing Man from being (and thus Men took up the veil (''laadakh'', called ''laakh'' among the Teldanari) to hide themselves from Alou), but one child's innocence and purity stopped his hand. <br /> <br /> Mankind was saved, but the Etenari wear the veil and sing the song still, to remind themselves to be humble and think always of the mercy of Alou and the beauty of the natural state of things.<br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Circles of Loyalty===<br /> Etenari categorize their relationships based on &quot;circles&quot; of importance and loyalty. The lower the number of an individual's &quot;circle&quot;, the more important and prioritized their interactions are with Etenari people. This is, of course, just a general idea and not a hard and fast rule. Etenari are human beings and make many exceptions to this hierarchy every day.<br /> <br /> Some people have argued for the combining of circles one and two below, since in practice there is usually little difference between how a family member is treated and a clanmember is treated.<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Circle'''<br /> |'''Includes'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''First'''<br /> |Immediate family, one's spouse and children, siblings, parents, etc.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Second'''<br /> |Extended family and one's entire clan.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Third'''<br /> |Business partners and known Etenari of other clans.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fourth'''<br /> |Relevant non-Etenari.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fifth'''<br /> |Everyone and everything else.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Peculiarities==<br /> ===Family and Oaths===<br /> Etenari people place high value on Family and Oaths. A person will gladly lay down their lives to protect their kinsmen, and will do what is necessary to ensure the continuation of their clan. <br /> <br /> A promise made by an Etenari person is widely considered as good as a deed already done.<br /> <br /> ===Dietary concerns===<br /> Etenari people refuse to eat eggs or baby animals out of deference to the wishes to Alou. (See &quot;Beliefs&quot; above.) Breads are bound together with chia rather than egg. They have no problem eating seeds and grains as these are not recognised as &quot;offspring&quot;. Something which requires aid (in this case water) to become life is not considered a child. Eggs hatch on their own, seeds (agriculturally grown) require preparation of the soil, toil, careful handling, etc, to produce &quot;offspring&quot; (seedlings). <br /> <br /> ===Wholeism===<br /> The traditional Etenari consideration is that a family or clan is one being rather than many separate ones bound together by circumstance. This extends to their understanding of nature and the world at whole, as well. One animal is the same as another, one plant the same as another. They are instances of a greater whole. It is for this reason that an individual will gladly give their life to ensure continuation of their family or clan: their life is not being wasted, it is simply one part of the whole acting to defend the whole.<br /> <br /> ===Etenari Marriage===<br /> Marriage is less of a binding contract for the Etenari than it is for many societies. A marriage to a person includes a pact to take care of the partner at all costs, to care for the children of the woman in the marriage (there is no homosexual marriage equivalent among the Etenari), and to honor the clans of both spouses.<br /> <br /> Etenari are free to take other lovers, and quite often do. Those Etenari who are seafarers tend to have several relationships on the side, though there is a taboo about creating anything stable or long-lasting with anyone other than their spouse. Any children from these other relationships are not considered Etenari or part of the clan of the father if the mother is not Etenari. These children are considered members only of the social group of their mothers. The children of Etenari mothers who are the product of a union with a non-Etenari are considered to be Etenari, but are not considered children of the non-Etenari parent at all.<br /> <br /> ==Language==<br /> Ellurian West Teldanari speak an Aslar-influenced dialect of Teldanari which is written with Aslarian glyphs.<br /> <br /> ==Etenari Clans==<br /> Etenari people generally fall into one of the five clans. There are technically six, but one has since gone extinct.<br /> <br /> ===Nisaadari===<br /> Etenari Nisaad are the Etenari equivalent of priests or contemplative monks. They are the keepers of the song, givers of prophecy, and generally speaking thought of highly by the other clans. Initiated Etenari Nisaad maintain a telepathic link to one another with heavy consumption of the western variety of [[Nokos]] mushroom. Uninitiated Etenari Nisaad function as lorekeepers and social planners. It is not unusual to see a Nisaadar planning weddings or working with Nayinsari on business transactions.<br /> <br /> Etenari Nisaad are different from every other Etenari clan in that they allow for clan-changing by Etenayari (adopted Etenari people). Someone who was adopted into the Etenari later in life (generally as an adult) is not generally allowed to change clans. The Etenari Nisaad welcome newcomers, though.<br /> <br /> ===Tindasari===<br /> Etenayari Tindas, &quot;working Etenari&quot;, are generally people who seek a physical trade. The word &quot;tindas&quot;, and &quot;tinda&quot; have been adapted into local Ellurian slang in the places that the Etenari live. As the Tindasari that most non-Etenari come into contact with are sailors or fisherman, the word in Ellurian has come to mean &quot;foreign sailor&quot; or &quot;foreign seaman&quot;, specifically referring to Etenari people who work the waters.<br /> <br /> While this popular conception of the Tindasari is partially accurate, it is an incomplete picture of the Tindasari. A Tindasari person can be a toiler of the land (farmer) or a fish-cleaner/gutter, or a harvester. Tindasari represent the most populous clan of the Etenari, and most Etenari that non-Etenari come into contact with are from the Tindas clan.<br /> <br /> ===Nayinsari===<br /> Etenari Nayin are merchants and money-handlers of the Etenari. Generally a leader of the Etenari (from clan Ayin) will have two close advisors- the local leader of the Nayin clan (a money-handler and business decision maker) and a member of the Nisaad clan (lorekeeper, planners).<br /> <br /> Etenari Nayin are an exclusivist clan, only extremely rarely allowing &quot;adoptions&quot;. They are the second-smallest in terms of population, after the Ayin. Nayinari are the most likely of the five clans to have the distinctive extreme albinism which was made famous by the Teldanari.<br /> <br /> ===Ayinari===<br /> Etenari Ayin are leaders and decision-makers among the Etenari. People who are born to clan Ayin rarely stay in it, and almost every family among the Ayinaari has got family members in other clans.<br /> <br /> The leader of the local group of Etenari is generally an &quot;adopted&quot; Ayinar.<br /> <br /> ===Ransaari===<br /> Etenari Ransaar are craftspeople and hand-workers among the Etenari. They generally make useful things like clothing and rope and (rarely) books. Each family among the Ransaari has a specialty.<br /> <br /> Ransaari are very open to adoption of outsiders which possess knowledge of some useful skill. They are the second most likely (after the Tindasari) to have children from &quot;extra&quot; partnerships, and as such have the smallest number of traditionally Teldanari characteristics.<br /> <br /> ===Adoption===<br /> Etenari are distinguished from their Eastern cousins by their liberal attitude towards adoption of outsiders into the whole. Any person who proves themselves willing to lay down their lives to defend a clan of Etenari, or who takes up an oath of an Etenari person and sees it to completion becomes eligible for the status of ''Etenayari'', &quot;Found/Discovered Etenari&quot;. If the clan finds them to be worthy, they will become another member of that clan. Immediate full-blood siblings of the ''Etenayari'' are also considered to be ''Etenayari'', however recognition of this status requires that they themselves claim it by presenting themselves to the clan Fathers. The children of ''Etenayari'' are not ''Etenayari'', but rather simply Etenari.<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are expected to adhere to the same general guidelines as Etenari people themselves do: protect the Whole, keep one's oaths, etc. They are, however, not penalised if they fail to wear the veil (''laadakh'') and don't keep to the dietary restrictions (though this is frowned upon).<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are not clan-mobile, unlike Etenari. (They remain with the clan they are adopted into until they die, and cannot be adopted by/taken into another clan. The exception to this is ''Etenayari'' who later become ''Etenayari Nisaad'', ''Nisaadari'' (the contemplative Etenari equivalent of monks).)<br /> <br /> {{Navbox Race}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ellurian_West_Teldanari&diff=4777 2013-05-14T03:06:04Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Etenari Clans */</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Race<br /> | common_name = Etenari<br /> | image = Etenari.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | formal_name = Ellurian West Teldanari<br /> | average_height = 5'8&quot;<br /> | average_weight = <br /> | eye_color =widely varied, but does include the strange reddish pink of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | hair_color =widely varied, but includes the white of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | country_of_origin =Currently from [[Elluria]] via [[Aslar]], ultimately originating in [[Teldanar]]<br /> | significant_populations =Elluria<br /> | language1 =Etenari language (a dialect of Teldanari)<br /> | language2 =<br /> | language3 =<br /> | religion1 =[[Alouism]]<br /> | religion2 =<br /> | religion3 =<br /> | related_races =[[Teldanar]]i<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Ellurian West Teldanari''', most commonly called '''Etenari''', are a group of [[Teldanar]]i people who were relocated to [[Elluria]] from [[Aslar]] in the time before the [[History_of_Elluria#The_Southland_War |Southland War]]. Most of these people were from the middle regions of Aslar and spoke Aslar as their native language. Due to their relative isolation from other Teldanari peoples, they have developed their own unique spin on Teldanari customs. Also, due to geographical relocations over their history and their open-ness to &quot;adoption&quot; (and looser traditional definition of marriage), these people tend to have a lower number of the very pale-white (perhaps albino) features that their eastern cousins display. Many Etenari people look indistinguishable from very fair Ellurian or Aslarian humans (excluding, of course, mode of dress).<br /> <br /> After their ultimate relocation from Aslar into Elluria due to the Southland War, many Etenari found work in the docks and fishing cities of the western coast of Elluria. They quickly became expert seamen, known for their patient mastery of many ocean-related skills. Etenari-prepared fish is a local delicacy in some parts of western Elluria.<br /> <br /> ==Culture==<br /> Etenari revere [[Alou]], the &quot;nameless god&quot; (also &quot;the faceless god&quot;). From the age of 12 on, both men and women cover their faces and their bodies with loose cloth (normally white) as a display of faith. <br /> <br /> ===Beliefs===<br /> The Etenari have a song which is passed from generation to generation, telling of the greatness of Alou and how Alou spun the world into existence off of a great wheel. The world and all creations of Alou were beautiful and flawless, but Man grew too enamored of the power of the Wheel and tried to use it for his own amusement, thus irreparably altering both the nature of humanoids and the world. Alou vowed to fix the mistake Man had made by removing Man from being (and thus Men took up the veil (''laadakh'', called ''laakh'' among the Teldanari) to hide themselves from Alou), but one child's innocence and purity stopped his hand. <br /> <br /> Mankind was saved, but the Etenari wear the veil and sing the song still, to remind themselves to be humble and think always of the mercy of Alou and the beauty of the natural state of things.<br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Circles of Loyalty===<br /> Etenari categorize their relationships based on &quot;circles&quot; of importance and loyalty. The lower the number of an individual's &quot;circle&quot;, the more important and prioritized their interactions are with Etenari people. This is, of course, just a general idea and not a hard and fast rule. Etenari are human beings and make many exceptions to this hierarchy every day.<br /> <br /> Some people have argued for the combining of circles one and two below, since in practice there is usually little difference between how a family member is treated and a clanmember is treated.<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Circle'''<br /> |'''Includes'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''First'''<br /> |Immediate family, one's spouse and children, siblings, parents, etc.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Second'''<br /> |Extended family and one's entire clan.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Third'''<br /> |Business partners and known Etenari of other clans.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fourth'''<br /> |Relevant non-Etenari.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fifth'''<br /> |Everyone and everything else.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Peculiarities==<br /> ===Family and Oaths===<br /> Etenari people place high value on Family and Oaths. A person will gladly lay down their lives to protect their kinsmen, and will do what is necessary to ensure the continuation of their clan. <br /> <br /> A promise made by an Etenari person is widely considered as good as a deed already done.<br /> <br /> ===Dietary concerns===<br /> Etenari people refuse to eat eggs or baby animals out of deference to the wishes to Alou. (See &quot;Beliefs&quot; above.) Breads are bound together with chia rather than egg. They have no problem eating seeds and grains as these are not recognised as &quot;offspring&quot;. Something which requires aid (in this case water) to become life is not considered a child. Eggs hatch on their own, seeds (agriculturally grown) require preparation of the soil, toil, careful handling, etc, to produce &quot;offspring&quot; (seedlings). <br /> <br /> ===Wholeism===<br /> The traditional Etenari consideration is that a family or clan is one being rather than many separate ones bound together by circumstance. This extends to their understanding of nature and the world at whole, as well. One animal is the same as another, one plant the same as another. They are instances of a greater whole. It is for this reason that an individual will gladly give their life to ensure continuation of their family or clan: their life is not being wasted, it is simply one part of the whole acting to defend the whole.<br /> <br /> ===Etenari Marriage===<br /> Marriage is less of a binding contract for the Etenari than it is for many societies. A marriage to a person includes a pact to take care of the partner at all costs, to care for the children of the woman in the marriage (there is no homosexual marriage equivalent among the Etenari), and to honor the clans of both spouses.<br /> <br /> Etenari are free to take other lovers, and quite often do. Those Etenari who are seafarers tend to have several relationships on the side, though there is a taboo about creating anything stable or long-lasting with anyone other than their spouse. Any children from these other relationships are not considered Etenari or part of the clan of the father if the mother is not Etenari. These children are considered members only of the social group of their mothers. The children of Etenari mothers who are the product of a union with a non-Etenari are considered to be Etenari, but are not considered children of the non-Etenari parent at all.<br /> <br /> ==Language==<br /> Ellurian West Teldanari speak an Aslar-influenced dialect of Teldanari which is written with Aslarian glyphs.<br /> <br /> ==Etenari Clans==<br /> Etenari people generally fall into one of the five clans. There are technically six, but one has since gone extinct.<br /> <br /> ===Nisaadari===<br /> Etenari Nisaad are the Etenari equivalent of priests or contemplative monks. They are the keepers of the song, givers of prophecy, and generally speaking thought of highly by the other clans. Initiated Etenari Nisaad maintain a telepathic link to one another with heavy consumption of the western variety of [[Nokos]] mushroom. Uninitiated Etenari Nisaad function as lorekeepers and social planners. It is not unusual to see a Nisaadar planning weddings or working with Nayinsari on business transactions.<br /> <br /> Etenari Nisaad are different from every other Etenari clan in that they allow for clan-changing by Etenayari (adopted Etenari people). Someone who was adopted into the Etenari later in life (generally as an adult) is not generally allowed to change clans. The Etenari Nisaad welcome newcomers, though.<br /> <br /> ===Tindasari===<br /> Etenayari Tindas, &quot;working Etenari&quot;, are generally people who seek a physical trade. The word &quot;tindas&quot;, and &quot;tinda&quot; have been adapted into local Ellurian slang in the places that the Etenari live. As the Tindasari that most non-Etenari come into contact with are sailors or fisherman, the word in Ellurian has come to mean &quot;foreign sailor&quot; or &quot;foreign seaman&quot;, specifically referring to Etenari people who work the waters.<br /> <br /> While this popular conception of the Tindasari is partially accurate, it is an incomplete picture of the Tindasari. A Tindasari person can be a toiler of the land (farmer) or a fish-cleaner/gutter, or a harvester. Tindasari represent the most populous clan of the Etenari, and most Etenari that non-Etenari come into contact with are from the Tindas clan.<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Nayinsari===<br /> Etenari Nayin are merchants and money-handlers of the Etenari. Generally a leader of the Etenari (from clan Ayin) will have two close advisors- the local leader of the Nayin clan (a money-handler and business decision maker) and a member of the Nisaad clan (lorekeeper, planners).<br /> <br /> Etenari Nayin are an exclusivist clan, only extremely rarely allowing &quot;adoptions&quot;. They are the second-smallest in terms of population, after the Ayin. Nayinari are the most likely of the five clans to have the distinctive extreme albinism which was made famous by the Teldanari.<br /> <br /> ===Ayinari===<br /> Etenari Ayin are leaders and decision-makers among the Etenari. People who are born to clan Ayin rarely stay in it, and almost every family among the Ayinaari has got family members in other clans.<br /> <br /> The leader of the local group of Etenari is generally an &quot;adopted&quot; Ayinar.<br /> <br /> ===Ransaari===<br /> Etenari Ransaar are craftspeople and hand-workers among the Etenari. They generally make useful things like clothing and rope and (rarely) books. Each family among the Ransaari has a specialty.<br /> <br /> Ransaari are very open to adoption of outsiders which possess knowledge of some useful skill. They are the second most likely (after the Tindasari) to have children from &quot;extra&quot; partnerships, and as such have the smallest number of traditionally Teldanari characteristics.<br /> <br /> ===Adoption===<br /> Etenari are distinguished from their Eastern cousins by their liberal attitude towards adoption of outsiders into the whole. Any person who proves themselves willing to lay down their lives to defend a clan of Etenari, or who takes up an oath of an Etenari person and sees it to completion becomes eligible for the status of ''Etenayari'', &quot;Found/Discovered Etenari&quot;. If the clan finds them to be worthy, they will become another member of that clan. Immediate full-blood siblings of the ''Etenayari'' are also considered to be ''Etenayari'', however recognition of this status requires that they themselves claim it by presenting themselves to the clan Fathers. The children of ''Etenayari'' are not ''Etenayari'', but rather simply Etenari.<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are expected to adhere to the same general guidelines as Etenari people themselves do: protect the Whole, keep one's oaths, etc. They are, however, not penalised if they fail to wear the veil (''laadakh'') and don't keep to the dietary restrictions (though this is frowned upon).<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are not clan-mobile, unlike Etenari. (They remain with the clan they are adopted into until they die, and cannot be adopted by/taken into another clan. The exception to this is ''Etenayari'' who later become ''Etenayari Nisaad'', ''Nisaadari'' (the contemplative Etenari equivalent of monks).)<br /> <br /> {{Navbox Race}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ellurian_West_Teldanari&diff=4776 2013-05-14T02:57:13Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Tindasari */</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Race<br /> | common_name = Etenari<br /> | image = Etenari.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | formal_name = Ellurian West Teldanari<br /> | average_height = 5'8&quot;<br /> | average_weight = <br /> | eye_color =widely varied, but does include the strange reddish pink of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | hair_color =widely varied, but includes the white of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | country_of_origin =Currently from [[Elluria]] via [[Aslar]], ultimately originating in [[Teldanar]]<br /> | significant_populations =Elluria<br /> | language1 =Etenari language (a dialect of Teldanari)<br /> | language2 =<br /> | language3 =<br /> | religion1 =[[Alouism]]<br /> | religion2 =<br /> | religion3 =<br /> | related_races =[[Teldanar]]i<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Ellurian West Teldanari''', most commonly called '''Etenari''', are a group of [[Teldanar]]i people who were relocated to [[Elluria]] from [[Aslar]] in the time before the [[History_of_Elluria#The_Southland_War |Southland War]]. Most of these people were from the middle regions of Aslar and spoke Aslar as their native language. Due to their relative isolation from other Teldanari peoples, they have developed their own unique spin on Teldanari customs. Also, due to geographical relocations over their history and their open-ness to &quot;adoption&quot; (and looser traditional definition of marriage), these people tend to have a lower number of the very pale-white (perhaps albino) features that their eastern cousins display. Many Etenari people look indistinguishable from very fair Ellurian or Aslarian humans (excluding, of course, mode of dress).<br /> <br /> After their ultimate relocation from Aslar into Elluria due to the Southland War, many Etenari found work in the docks and fishing cities of the western coast of Elluria. They quickly became expert seamen, known for their patient mastery of many ocean-related skills. Etenari-prepared fish is a local delicacy in some parts of western Elluria.<br /> <br /> ==Culture==<br /> Etenari revere [[Alou]], the &quot;nameless god&quot; (also &quot;the faceless god&quot;). From the age of 12 on, both men and women cover their faces and their bodies with loose cloth (normally white) as a display of faith. <br /> <br /> ===Beliefs===<br /> The Etenari have a song which is passed from generation to generation, telling of the greatness of Alou and how Alou spun the world into existence off of a great wheel. The world and all creations of Alou were beautiful and flawless, but Man grew too enamored of the power of the Wheel and tried to use it for his own amusement, thus irreparably altering both the nature of humanoids and the world. Alou vowed to fix the mistake Man had made by removing Man from being (and thus Men took up the veil (''laadakh'', called ''laakh'' among the Teldanari) to hide themselves from Alou), but one child's innocence and purity stopped his hand. <br /> <br /> Mankind was saved, but the Etenari wear the veil and sing the song still, to remind themselves to be humble and think always of the mercy of Alou and the beauty of the natural state of things.<br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Circles of Loyalty===<br /> Etenari categorize their relationships based on &quot;circles&quot; of importance and loyalty. The lower the number of an individual's &quot;circle&quot;, the more important and prioritized their interactions are with Etenari people. This is, of course, just a general idea and not a hard and fast rule. Etenari are human beings and make many exceptions to this hierarchy every day.<br /> <br /> Some people have argued for the combining of circles one and two below, since in practice there is usually little difference between how a family member is treated and a clanmember is treated.<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Circle'''<br /> |'''Includes'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''First'''<br /> |Immediate family, one's spouse and children, siblings, parents, etc.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Second'''<br /> |Extended family and one's entire clan.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Third'''<br /> |Business partners and known Etenari of other clans.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fourth'''<br /> |Relevant non-Etenari.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fifth'''<br /> |Everyone and everything else.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Peculiarities==<br /> ===Family and Oaths===<br /> Etenari people place high value on Family and Oaths. A person will gladly lay down their lives to protect their kinsmen, and will do what is necessary to ensure the continuation of their clan. <br /> <br /> A promise made by an Etenari person is widely considered as good as a deed already done.<br /> <br /> ===Dietary concerns===<br /> Etenari people refuse to eat eggs or baby animals out of deference to the wishes to Alou. (See &quot;Beliefs&quot; above.) Breads are bound together with chia rather than egg. They have no problem eating seeds and grains as these are not recognised as &quot;offspring&quot;. Something which requires aid (in this case water) to become life is not considered a child. Eggs hatch on their own, seeds (agriculturally grown) require preparation of the soil, toil, careful handling, etc, to produce &quot;offspring&quot; (seedlings). <br /> <br /> ===Wholeism===<br /> The traditional Etenari consideration is that a family or clan is one being rather than many separate ones bound together by circumstance. This extends to their understanding of nature and the world at whole, as well. One animal is the same as another, one plant the same as another. They are instances of a greater whole. It is for this reason that an individual will gladly give their life to ensure continuation of their family or clan: their life is not being wasted, it is simply one part of the whole acting to defend the whole.<br /> <br /> ===Etenari Marriage===<br /> Marriage is less of a binding contract for the Etenari than it is for many societies. A marriage to a person includes a pact to take care of the partner at all costs, to care for the children of the woman in the marriage (there is no homosexual marriage equivalent among the Etenari), and to honor the clans of both spouses.<br /> <br /> Etenari are free to take other lovers, and quite often do. Those Etenari who are seafarers tend to have several relationships on the side, though there is a taboo about creating anything stable or long-lasting with anyone other than their spouse. Any children from these other relationships are not considered Etenari or part of the clan of the father if the mother is not Etenari. These children are considered members only of the social group of their mothers. The children of Etenari mothers who are the product of a union with a non-Etenari are considered to be Etenari, but are not considered children of the non-Etenari parent at all.<br /> <br /> ==Language==<br /> Ellurian West Teldanari speak an Aslar-influenced dialect of Teldanari which is written with Aslarian glyphs.<br /> <br /> ==Etenari Clans==<br /> Etenari people generally fall into one of the five clans. There are technically six, but one has since gone extinct.<br /> <br /> ===Nisaadari===<br /> Etenari Nisaad are the Etenari equivalent of priests or contemplative monks. They are the keepers of the song, givers of prophecy, and generally speaking thought of highly by the other clans. Initiated Etenari Nisaad maintain a telepathic link to one another with heavy consumption of the western variety of [[Nokos]] mushroom. Uninitiated Etenari Nisaad function as lorekeepers and social planners. It is not unusual to see a Nisaadar planning weddings or working with Tindasari on business transactions.<br /> <br /> Etenari Nisaad are different from every other Etenari clan in that they allow for clan-changing by Etenayari (adopted Etenari people). Someone who was adopted into the Etenari later in life (generally as an adult) is not generally allowed to change clans. The Etenari Nisaad welcome newcomers, though.<br /> <br /> ===Tindasari===<br /> Etenayari Tindas, &quot;working Etenari&quot;, are generally people who seek a physical trade. The word &quot;tindas&quot;, and &quot;tinda&quot; have been adapted into local Ellurian slang in the places that the Etenari live. As the Tindasari that most non-Etenari come into contact with are sailors or fisherman, the word in Ellurian has come to mean &quot;foreign sailor&quot; or &quot;foreign seaman&quot;, specifically referring to Etenari people who work the waters.<br /> <br /> While this popular conception of the Tindasari is partially accurate, it is an incomplete picture of the Tindasari. A Tindasari person can be a toiler of the land (farmer) or a fish-cleaner/gutter, or a harvester. Tindasari represent the most populous clan of the Etenari, and most Etenari that non-Etenari come into contact with are from the Tindas clan.<br /> <br /> ===Adoption===<br /> Etenari are distinguished from their Eastern cousins by their liberal attitude towards adoption of outsiders into the whole. Any person who proves themselves willing to lay down their lives to defend a clan of Etenari, or who takes up an oath of an Etenari person and sees it to completion becomes eligible for the status of ''Etenayari'', &quot;Found/Discovered Etenari&quot;. If the clan finds them to be worthy, they will become another member of that clan. Immediate full-blood siblings of the ''Etenayari'' are also considered to be ''Etenayari'', however recognition of this status requires that they themselves claim it by presenting themselves to the clan Fathers. The children of ''Etenayari'' are not ''Etenayari'', but rather simply Etenari.<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are expected to adhere to the same general guidelines as Etenari people themselves do: protect the Whole, keep one's oaths, etc. They are, however, not penalised if they fail to wear the veil (''laadakh'') and don't keep to the dietary restrictions (though this is frowned upon).<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are not clan-mobile, unlike Etenari. (They remain with the clan they are adopted into until they die, and cannot be adopted by/taken into another clan. The exception to this is ''Etenayari'' who later become ''Etenayari Nisaad'', ''Nisaadari'' (the contemplative Etenari equivalent of monks).)<br /> <br /> {{Navbox Race}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ellurian_West_Teldanari&diff=4769 2013-05-13T01:03:05Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Nisaadari */</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Race<br /> | common_name = Etenari<br /> | image = Etenari.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | formal_name = Ellurian West Teldanari<br /> | average_height = 5'8&quot;<br /> | average_weight = <br /> | eye_color =widely varied, but does include the strange reddish pink of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | hair_color =widely varied, but includes the white of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | country_of_origin =Currently from [[Elluria]] via [[Aslar]], ultimately originating in [[Teldanar]]<br /> | significant_populations =Elluria<br /> | language1 =Etenari language (a dialect of Teldanari)<br /> | language2 =<br /> | language3 =<br /> | religion1 =[[Alouism]]<br /> | religion2 =<br /> | religion3 =<br /> | related_races =[[Teldanar]]i<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Ellurian West Teldanari''', most commonly called '''Etenari''', are a group of [[Teldanar]]i people who were relocated to [[Elluria]] from [[Aslar]] in the time before the [[History_of_Elluria#The_Southland_War |Southland War]]. Most of these people were from the middle regions of Aslar and spoke Aslar as their native language. Due to their relative isolation from other Teldanari peoples, they have developed their own unique spin on Teldanari customs. Also, due to geographical relocations over their history and their open-ness to &quot;adoption&quot; (and looser traditional definition of marriage), these people tend to have a lower number of the very pale-white (perhaps albino) features that their eastern cousins display. Many Etenari people look indistinguishable from very fair Ellurian or Aslarian humans (excluding, of course, mode of dress).<br /> <br /> After their ultimate relocation from Aslar into Elluria due to the Southland War, many Etenari found work in the docks and fishing cities of the western coast of Elluria. They quickly became expert seamen, known for their patient mastery of many ocean-related skills. Etenari-prepared fish is a local delicacy in some parts of western Elluria.<br /> <br /> ==Culture==<br /> Etenari revere [[Alou]], the &quot;nameless god&quot; (also &quot;the faceless god&quot;). From the age of 12 on, both men and women cover their faces and their bodies with loose cloth (normally white) as a display of faith. <br /> <br /> ===Beliefs===<br /> The Etenari have a song which is passed from generation to generation, telling of the greatness of Alou and how Alou spun the world into existence off of a great wheel. The world and all creations of Alou were beautiful and flawless, but Man grew too enamored of the power of the Wheel and tried to use it for his own amusement, thus irreparably altering both the nature of humanoids and the world. Alou vowed to fix the mistake Man had made by removing Man from being (and thus Men took up the veil (''laadakh'', called ''laakh'' among the Teldanari) to hide themselves from Alou), but one child's innocence and purity stopped his hand. <br /> <br /> Mankind was saved, but the Etenari wear the veil and sing the song still, to remind themselves to be humble and think always of the mercy of Alou and the beauty of the natural state of things.<br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Circles of Loyalty===<br /> Etenari categorize their relationships based on &quot;circles&quot; of importance and loyalty. The lower the number of an individual's &quot;circle&quot;, the more important and prioritized their interactions are with Etenari people. This is, of course, just a general idea and not a hard and fast rule. Etenari are human beings and make many exceptions to this hierarchy every day.<br /> <br /> Some people have argued for the combining of circles one and two below, since in practice there is usually little difference between how a family member is treated and a clanmember is treated.<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Circle'''<br /> |'''Includes'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''First'''<br /> |Immediate family, one's spouse and children, siblings, parents, etc.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Second'''<br /> |Extended family and one's entire clan.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Third'''<br /> |Business partners and known Etenari of other clans.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fourth'''<br /> |Relevant non-Etenari.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fifth'''<br /> |Everyone and everything else.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Peculiarities==<br /> ===Family and Oaths===<br /> Etenari people place high value on Family and Oaths. A person will gladly lay down their lives to protect their kinsmen, and will do what is necessary to ensure the continuation of their clan. <br /> <br /> A promise made by an Etenari person is widely considered as good as a deed already done.<br /> <br /> ===Dietary concerns===<br /> Etenari people refuse to eat eggs or baby animals out of deference to the wishes to Alou. (See &quot;Beliefs&quot; above.) Breads are bound together with chia rather than egg. They have no problem eating seeds and grains as these are not recognised as &quot;offspring&quot;. Something which requires aid (in this case water) to become life is not considered a child. Eggs hatch on their own, seeds (agriculturally grown) require preparation of the soil, toil, careful handling, etc, to produce &quot;offspring&quot; (seedlings). <br /> <br /> ===Wholeism===<br /> The traditional Etenari consideration is that a family or clan is one being rather than many separate ones bound together by circumstance. This extends to their understanding of nature and the world at whole, as well. One animal is the same as another, one plant the same as another. They are instances of a greater whole. It is for this reason that an individual will gladly give their life to ensure continuation of their family or clan: their life is not being wasted, it is simply one part of the whole acting to defend the whole.<br /> <br /> ===Etenari Marriage===<br /> Marriage is less of a binding contract for the Etenari than it is for many societies. A marriage to a person includes a pact to take care of the partner at all costs, to care for the children of the woman in the marriage (there is no homosexual marriage equivalent among the Etenari), and to honor the clans of both spouses.<br /> <br /> Etenari are free to take other lovers, and quite often do. Those Etenari who are seafarers tend to have several relationships on the side, though there is a taboo about creating anything stable or long-lasting with anyone other than their spouse. Any children from these other relationships are not considered Etenari or part of the clan of the father if the mother is not Etenari. These children are considered members only of the social group of their mothers. The children of Etenari mothers who are the product of a union with a non-Etenari are considered to be Etenari, but are not considered children of the non-Etenari parent at all.<br /> <br /> ==Language==<br /> Ellurian West Teldanari speak an Aslar-influenced dialect of Teldanari which is written with Aslarian glyphs.<br /> <br /> ==Etenari Clans==<br /> Etenari people generally fall into one of the five clans. There are technically six, but one has since gone extinct.<br /> <br /> ===Nisaadari===<br /> Etenari Nisaad are the Etenari equivalent of priests or contemplative monks. They are the keepers of the song, givers of prophecy, and generally speaking thought of highly by the other clans. Initiated Etenari Nisaad maintain a telepathic link to one another with heavy consumption of the western variety of [[Nokos]] mushroom. Uninitiated Etenari Nisaad function as lorekeepers and social planners. It is not unusual to see a Nisaadar planning weddings or working with Tindasari on business transactions.<br /> <br /> Etenari Nisaad are different from every other Etenari clan in that they allow for clan-changing by Etenayari (adopted Etenari people). Someone who was adopted into the Etenari later in life (generally as an adult) is not generally allowed to change clans. The Etenari Nisaad welcome newcomers, though.<br /> <br /> ===Tindasari===<br /> Etenayari Tindas.<br /> <br /> ===Adoption===<br /> Etenari are distinguished from their Eastern cousins by their liberal attitude towards adoption of outsiders into the whole. Any person who proves themselves willing to lay down their lives to defend a clan of Etenari, or who takes up an oath of an Etenari person and sees it to completion becomes eligible for the status of ''Etenayari'', &quot;Found/Discovered Etenari&quot;. If the clan finds them to be worthy, they will become another member of that clan. Immediate full-blood siblings of the ''Etenayari'' are also considered to be ''Etenayari'', however recognition of this status requires that they themselves claim it by presenting themselves to the clan Fathers. The children of ''Etenayari'' are not ''Etenayari'', but rather simply Etenari.<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are expected to adhere to the same general guidelines as Etenari people themselves do: protect the Whole, keep one's oaths, etc. They are, however, not penalised if they fail to wear the veil (''laadakh'') and don't keep to the dietary restrictions (though this is frowned upon).<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are not clan-mobile, unlike Etenari. (They remain with the clan they are adopted into until they die, and cannot be adopted by/taken into another clan. The exception to this is ''Etenayari'' who later become ''Etenayari Nisaad'', ''Nisaadari'' (the contemplative Etenari equivalent of monks).)<br /> <br /> {{Navbox Race}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ellurian_West_Teldanari&diff=4768 2013-05-13T01:01:52Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Nisaadari */</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Race<br /> | common_name = Etenari<br /> | image = Etenari.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | formal_name = Ellurian West Teldanari<br /> | average_height = 5'8&quot;<br /> | average_weight = <br /> | eye_color =widely varied, but does include the strange reddish pink of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | hair_color =widely varied, but includes the white of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | country_of_origin =Currently from [[Elluria]] via [[Aslar]], ultimately originating in [[Teldanar]]<br /> | significant_populations =Elluria<br /> | language1 =Etenari language (a dialect of Teldanari)<br /> | language2 =<br /> | language3 =<br /> | religion1 =[[Alouism]]<br /> | religion2 =<br /> | religion3 =<br /> | related_races =[[Teldanar]]i<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Ellurian West Teldanari''', most commonly called '''Etenari''', are a group of [[Teldanar]]i people who were relocated to [[Elluria]] from [[Aslar]] in the time before the [[History_of_Elluria#The_Southland_War |Southland War]]. Most of these people were from the middle regions of Aslar and spoke Aslar as their native language. Due to their relative isolation from other Teldanari peoples, they have developed their own unique spin on Teldanari customs. Also, due to geographical relocations over their history and their open-ness to &quot;adoption&quot; (and looser traditional definition of marriage), these people tend to have a lower number of the very pale-white (perhaps albino) features that their eastern cousins display. Many Etenari people look indistinguishable from very fair Ellurian or Aslarian humans (excluding, of course, mode of dress).<br /> <br /> After their ultimate relocation from Aslar into Elluria due to the Southland War, many Etenari found work in the docks and fishing cities of the western coast of Elluria. They quickly became expert seamen, known for their patient mastery of many ocean-related skills. Etenari-prepared fish is a local delicacy in some parts of western Elluria.<br /> <br /> ==Culture==<br /> Etenari revere [[Alou]], the &quot;nameless god&quot; (also &quot;the faceless god&quot;). From the age of 12 on, both men and women cover their faces and their bodies with loose cloth (normally white) as a display of faith. <br /> <br /> ===Beliefs===<br /> The Etenari have a song which is passed from generation to generation, telling of the greatness of Alou and how Alou spun the world into existence off of a great wheel. The world and all creations of Alou were beautiful and flawless, but Man grew too enamored of the power of the Wheel and tried to use it for his own amusement, thus irreparably altering both the nature of humanoids and the world. Alou vowed to fix the mistake Man had made by removing Man from being (and thus Men took up the veil (''laadakh'', called ''laakh'' among the Teldanari) to hide themselves from Alou), but one child's innocence and purity stopped his hand. <br /> <br /> Mankind was saved, but the Etenari wear the veil and sing the song still, to remind themselves to be humble and think always of the mercy of Alou and the beauty of the natural state of things.<br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Circles of Loyalty===<br /> Etenari categorize their relationships based on &quot;circles&quot; of importance and loyalty. The lower the number of an individual's &quot;circle&quot;, the more important and prioritized their interactions are with Etenari people. This is, of course, just a general idea and not a hard and fast rule. Etenari are human beings and make many exceptions to this hierarchy every day.<br /> <br /> Some people have argued for the combining of circles one and two below, since in practice there is usually little difference between how a family member is treated and a clanmember is treated.<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Circle'''<br /> |'''Includes'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''First'''<br /> |Immediate family, one's spouse and children, siblings, parents, etc.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Second'''<br /> |Extended family and one's entire clan.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Third'''<br /> |Business partners and known Etenari of other clans.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fourth'''<br /> |Relevant non-Etenari.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fifth'''<br /> |Everyone and everything else.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Peculiarities==<br /> ===Family and Oaths===<br /> Etenari people place high value on Family and Oaths. A person will gladly lay down their lives to protect their kinsmen, and will do what is necessary to ensure the continuation of their clan. <br /> <br /> A promise made by an Etenari person is widely considered as good as a deed already done.<br /> <br /> ===Dietary concerns===<br /> Etenari people refuse to eat eggs or baby animals out of deference to the wishes to Alou. (See &quot;Beliefs&quot; above.) Breads are bound together with chia rather than egg. They have no problem eating seeds and grains as these are not recognised as &quot;offspring&quot;. Something which requires aid (in this case water) to become life is not considered a child. Eggs hatch on their own, seeds (agriculturally grown) require preparation of the soil, toil, careful handling, etc, to produce &quot;offspring&quot; (seedlings). <br /> <br /> ===Wholeism===<br /> The traditional Etenari consideration is that a family or clan is one being rather than many separate ones bound together by circumstance. This extends to their understanding of nature and the world at whole, as well. One animal is the same as another, one plant the same as another. They are instances of a greater whole. It is for this reason that an individual will gladly give their life to ensure continuation of their family or clan: their life is not being wasted, it is simply one part of the whole acting to defend the whole.<br /> <br /> ===Etenari Marriage===<br /> Marriage is less of a binding contract for the Etenari than it is for many societies. A marriage to a person includes a pact to take care of the partner at all costs, to care for the children of the woman in the marriage (there is no homosexual marriage equivalent among the Etenari), and to honor the clans of both spouses.<br /> <br /> Etenari are free to take other lovers, and quite often do. Those Etenari who are seafarers tend to have several relationships on the side, though there is a taboo about creating anything stable or long-lasting with anyone other than their spouse. Any children from these other relationships are not considered Etenari or part of the clan of the father if the mother is not Etenari. These children are considered members only of the social group of their mothers. The children of Etenari mothers who are the product of a union with a non-Etenari are considered to be Etenari, but are not considered children of the non-Etenari parent at all.<br /> <br /> ==Language==<br /> Ellurian West Teldanari speak an Aslar-influenced dialect of Teldanari which is written with Aslarian glyphs.<br /> <br /> ==Etenari Clans==<br /> Etenari people generally fall into one of the five clans. There are technically six, but one has since gone extinct.<br /> <br /> ===Nisaadari===<br /> Etenari Nisaad are the Etenari equivalent of priests or contemplative monks. They are the keepers of the song, givers of prophecy, and generally speaking thought of highly by the other clans. Initiated Etenari Nisaad maintain a telepathic link to one another with heavy consumption of the western variety of [[Nokos]] mushroom. Uninitiated Etenari Nisaad function as lorekeepers and social planners. It is not unusual to see a Nisaadar planning weddings or working with Tindasaari on business transactions.<br /> <br /> Etenari Nisaad are different from every other Etenari clan in that they allow for clan-changing by Etenayari (adopted Etenari people). Someone who was adopted into the Etenari later in life (generally as an adult) is not generally allowed to change clans. The Etenari Nisaad welcome newcomers, though.<br /> <br /> ===Tindasari===<br /> Etenayari Tindas.<br /> <br /> ===Adoption===<br /> Etenari are distinguished from their Eastern cousins by their liberal attitude towards adoption of outsiders into the whole. Any person who proves themselves willing to lay down their lives to defend a clan of Etenari, or who takes up an oath of an Etenari person and sees it to completion becomes eligible for the status of ''Etenayari'', &quot;Found/Discovered Etenari&quot;. If the clan finds them to be worthy, they will become another member of that clan. Immediate full-blood siblings of the ''Etenayari'' are also considered to be ''Etenayari'', however recognition of this status requires that they themselves claim it by presenting themselves to the clan Fathers. The children of ''Etenayari'' are not ''Etenayari'', but rather simply Etenari.<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are expected to adhere to the same general guidelines as Etenari people themselves do: protect the Whole, keep one's oaths, etc. They are, however, not penalised if they fail to wear the veil (''laadakh'') and don't keep to the dietary restrictions (though this is frowned upon).<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are not clan-mobile, unlike Etenari. (They remain with the clan they are adopted into until they die, and cannot be adopted by/taken into another clan. The exception to this is ''Etenayari'' who later become ''Etenayari Nisaad'', ''Nisaadari'' (the contemplative Etenari equivalent of monks).)<br /> <br /> {{Navbox Race}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ellurian_West_Teldanari&diff=4767 2013-05-13T00:57:46Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Race<br /> | common_name = Etenari<br /> | image = Etenari.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | formal_name = Ellurian West Teldanari<br /> | average_height = 5'8&quot;<br /> | average_weight = <br /> | eye_color =widely varied, but does include the strange reddish pink of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | hair_color =widely varied, but includes the white of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | country_of_origin =Currently from [[Elluria]] via [[Aslar]], ultimately originating in [[Teldanar]]<br /> | significant_populations =Elluria<br /> | language1 =Etenari language (a dialect of Teldanari)<br /> | language2 =<br /> | language3 =<br /> | religion1 =[[Alouism]]<br /> | religion2 =<br /> | religion3 =<br /> | related_races =[[Teldanar]]i<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Ellurian West Teldanari''', most commonly called '''Etenari''', are a group of [[Teldanar]]i people who were relocated to [[Elluria]] from [[Aslar]] in the time before the [[History_of_Elluria#The_Southland_War |Southland War]]. Most of these people were from the middle regions of Aslar and spoke Aslar as their native language. Due to their relative isolation from other Teldanari peoples, they have developed their own unique spin on Teldanari customs. Also, due to geographical relocations over their history and their open-ness to &quot;adoption&quot; (and looser traditional definition of marriage), these people tend to have a lower number of the very pale-white (perhaps albino) features that their eastern cousins display. Many Etenari people look indistinguishable from very fair Ellurian or Aslarian humans (excluding, of course, mode of dress).<br /> <br /> After their ultimate relocation from Aslar into Elluria due to the Southland War, many Etenari found work in the docks and fishing cities of the western coast of Elluria. They quickly became expert seamen, known for their patient mastery of many ocean-related skills. Etenari-prepared fish is a local delicacy in some parts of western Elluria.<br /> <br /> ==Culture==<br /> Etenari revere [[Alou]], the &quot;nameless god&quot; (also &quot;the faceless god&quot;). From the age of 12 on, both men and women cover their faces and their bodies with loose cloth (normally white) as a display of faith. <br /> <br /> ===Beliefs===<br /> The Etenari have a song which is passed from generation to generation, telling of the greatness of Alou and how Alou spun the world into existence off of a great wheel. The world and all creations of Alou were beautiful and flawless, but Man grew too enamored of the power of the Wheel and tried to use it for his own amusement, thus irreparably altering both the nature of humanoids and the world. Alou vowed to fix the mistake Man had made by removing Man from being (and thus Men took up the veil (''laadakh'', called ''laakh'' among the Teldanari) to hide themselves from Alou), but one child's innocence and purity stopped his hand. <br /> <br /> Mankind was saved, but the Etenari wear the veil and sing the song still, to remind themselves to be humble and think always of the mercy of Alou and the beauty of the natural state of things.<br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Circles of Loyalty===<br /> Etenari categorize their relationships based on &quot;circles&quot; of importance and loyalty. The lower the number of an individual's &quot;circle&quot;, the more important and prioritized their interactions are with Etenari people. This is, of course, just a general idea and not a hard and fast rule. Etenari are human beings and make many exceptions to this hierarchy every day.<br /> <br /> Some people have argued for the combining of circles one and two below, since in practice there is usually little difference between how a family member is treated and a clanmember is treated.<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Circle'''<br /> |'''Includes'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''First'''<br /> |Immediate family, one's spouse and children, siblings, parents, etc.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Second'''<br /> |Extended family and one's entire clan.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Third'''<br /> |Business partners and known Etenari of other clans.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fourth'''<br /> |Relevant non-Etenari.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fifth'''<br /> |Everyone and everything else.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Peculiarities==<br /> ===Family and Oaths===<br /> Etenari people place high value on Family and Oaths. A person will gladly lay down their lives to protect their kinsmen, and will do what is necessary to ensure the continuation of their clan. <br /> <br /> A promise made by an Etenari person is widely considered as good as a deed already done.<br /> <br /> ===Dietary concerns===<br /> Etenari people refuse to eat eggs or baby animals out of deference to the wishes to Alou. (See &quot;Beliefs&quot; above.) Breads are bound together with chia rather than egg. They have no problem eating seeds and grains as these are not recognised as &quot;offspring&quot;. Something which requires aid (in this case water) to become life is not considered a child. Eggs hatch on their own, seeds (agriculturally grown) require preparation of the soil, toil, careful handling, etc, to produce &quot;offspring&quot; (seedlings). <br /> <br /> ===Wholeism===<br /> The traditional Etenari consideration is that a family or clan is one being rather than many separate ones bound together by circumstance. This extends to their understanding of nature and the world at whole, as well. One animal is the same as another, one plant the same as another. They are instances of a greater whole. It is for this reason that an individual will gladly give their life to ensure continuation of their family or clan: their life is not being wasted, it is simply one part of the whole acting to defend the whole.<br /> <br /> ===Etenari Marriage===<br /> Marriage is less of a binding contract for the Etenari than it is for many societies. A marriage to a person includes a pact to take care of the partner at all costs, to care for the children of the woman in the marriage (there is no homosexual marriage equivalent among the Etenari), and to honor the clans of both spouses.<br /> <br /> Etenari are free to take other lovers, and quite often do. Those Etenari who are seafarers tend to have several relationships on the side, though there is a taboo about creating anything stable or long-lasting with anyone other than their spouse. Any children from these other relationships are not considered Etenari or part of the clan of the father if the mother is not Etenari. These children are considered members only of the social group of their mothers. The children of Etenari mothers who are the product of a union with a non-Etenari are considered to be Etenari, but are not considered children of the non-Etenari parent at all.<br /> <br /> ==Language==<br /> Ellurian West Teldanari speak an Aslar-influenced dialect of Teldanari which is written with Aslarian glyphs.<br /> <br /> ==Etenari Clans==<br /> Etenari people generally fall into one of the five clans. There are technically six, but one has since gone extinct.<br /> <br /> ===Nisaadari===<br /> Etenari Nisaad are the Etenari equivalent of priests or contemplative monks. They are the keepers of the song, givers of prophecy, and generally speaking thought of highly by the other clans. Initiated Etenari Nisaad maintain a telepathic link to one another with heavy consumption of the western variety of [[Nokos]] mushroom.<br /> <br /> ===Tindasari===<br /> Etenayari Tindas.<br /> <br /> ===Adoption===<br /> Etenari are distinguished from their Eastern cousins by their liberal attitude towards adoption of outsiders into the whole. Any person who proves themselves willing to lay down their lives to defend a clan of Etenari, or who takes up an oath of an Etenari person and sees it to completion becomes eligible for the status of ''Etenayari'', &quot;Found/Discovered Etenari&quot;. If the clan finds them to be worthy, they will become another member of that clan. Immediate full-blood siblings of the ''Etenayari'' are also considered to be ''Etenayari'', however recognition of this status requires that they themselves claim it by presenting themselves to the clan Fathers. The children of ''Etenayari'' are not ''Etenayari'', but rather simply Etenari.<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are expected to adhere to the same general guidelines as Etenari people themselves do: protect the Whole, keep one's oaths, etc. They are, however, not penalised if they fail to wear the veil (''laadakh'') and don't keep to the dietary restrictions (though this is frowned upon).<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are not clan-mobile, unlike Etenari. (They remain with the clan they are adopted into until they die, and cannot be adopted by/taken into another clan. The exception to this is ''Etenayari'' who later become ''Etenayari Nisaad'', ''Nisaadari'' (the contemplative Etenari equivalent of monks).)<br /> <br /> {{Navbox Race}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Nokos&diff=4766 2013-05-13T00:54:53Z

<p>Bornfor: /* By the Etenari */</p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Herbiary<br /> | common_name = Nokos<br /> | image = Nokos.jpg<br /> | alt = <br /> | caption = An immature Nokos mushroom.<br /> | other_names = Root of the Mind<br /> | found_in = Teldanar<br /> | type = Mushroom<br /> | features = Pale gray with red sploches<br /> | size = Large <br /> | uses = Consumption causes telepathy<br /> }}<br /> =Growth Cycle=<br /> [[file:dried nokos.jpg|thumb|A dried mature Nokos mushroom.]]<br /> Because nokos is a mushroom, it grows all year round but only in locations where the circumstances meet its particular needs. Because of the desert climate of the country the mushroom grows best in the wet and dark. The people of Teldanar take particular pains not to completely exhaust a spot where nokos is found and leave some of the mushroom living so that is can regrow in the same spot, a fully formed nokos mushroom takes a full month to mature. Once the red splotches cover its top it is ready to be picked.<br /> =Regional Information=<br /> Nokos mushrooms are local to Teldanar only and are defended by the Tedanaran people to protect the effect of their consumption.<br /> =Cultivation=<br /> Nokos mushrooms do not grow the same when they are manually cultivated, the only way that the plant is efficacious is when it grows naturally. Teldanaran people attempted to grow the mushrooms in damp hot houses but the attempt failed when the mushrooms didn't allow them to connect mentally. Locations where the mushroom grow are carefully guarded and the plots are only harvested for what is necessary and left to grow<br /> =Uses=<br /> ==By the Teldanar==<br /> Teldanar warriors take the nokos mushroom before battle to create a telepathic connection between each other. Because the mushroom only impacts the people who take it so they can share thoughts between one another it does not allow people to just telepathically read other people's minds.<br /> <br /> ==By the Etenari==<br /> The [[Ellurian West Teldanari|Etenari]] visionary/monk/priest clan, the Nisaadari, use a close relative of the Nokos (also called Nokos by them). The Nisaadari constantly consume large doses of the mushrooms to get a telepathic effect- though the amount of mushroom one must eat is prohibitive. Nisaadari are constantly linked to one another after full initiation, and can communicate with one another over long distances via a &quot;net&quot; of voices. It normally requires intensive training to navigate this &quot;web&quot; sucessfully. Casual users of these mushrooms report feeling &quot;relaxed&quot; and &quot;connected to the All&quot;, and occasional use can cause some mild hallucinogenic effects. Only consumption of large amounts of these mushrooms lends one the telepathic ability, however.<br /> <br /> Etenari Nisaad freely cultivate these &quot;Nokos&quot; mushrooms, though no other people have succeeded. There is apparently a technique which they possess which allows them to grow still-potent (though far less potent than traditional) Nokos, which they have never shared with another people. It is a jealously guarded secret, and only known to the Nisaadari.<br /> <br /> A traditional gift given to Redeemed Etenari (and, on extremely rare occasions, Etenayari) is a box with two dried Nokos mushrooms in it, each of which have been fermented in a stew of other Nokos. Consumption of one of these is sufficient to access the &quot;web&quot; of initiated Nisaadari. The person who eats the mushroom cannot navigate themselves, but relies on the more skilled intervention of an initiated Nisaadari to &quot;scoop them up&quot; and connect them with the proper mind. <br /> <br /> {{flora}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Learning_Arangothek_Key&diff=4701 2013-05-12T02:14:50Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Exercise One */</p> <hr /> <div>This page holds the answers for all of the exercises in the [[Learning Arangothek]] lessons. You can search for them below by the same headings they have in the original document! Answers compiled by [[User:bornfor|bornfor]], any and all errors are thus his. Please feel free to send questions and comments to him.<br /> <br /> '''PLEASE NOTE''' that due to &lt;strike&gt;laziness&lt;/strike&gt; the inherent nature of creating &quot;keys&quot; to the lessons, this document will probably incomplete for a little while. Have patience! Any questions about answers or requests for expedited answer posting can be directed (with likely good effect) to [[User:bornfor|bornfor]].<br /> <br /> =Lesson One=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Ken ve pipix. -- '''You see / You are seeing.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Dan ve pipessa. -- '''It is seen.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Min ve pengix. -- '''I want / I am wanting.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Pallod ve pengessa. - '''A mage is wanted.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ken ve serpessa. - '''You are loved.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I love. -- '''Min ve serpix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A messenger is seen. -- '''Orgod ve pipessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You are wanted. -- '''Ken ve pengessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She sees. -- '''Dan ve pipix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He is loved. -- '''Dan ve serpessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Min ve serpix ai ken. -- '''I love you.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Ken ve pipix ai pallod. -- '''You see (a) mage.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Terbi ve pengix ai orgod. -- '''(a) Man loves (a) messenger.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Dan ve serpix ai tespin. -- '''He/She/It loves (a) girl.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ai terbi ve pipix bobire. -- '''&quot;man sees guard&quot; -&gt; &quot;(A) guard sees (a) man.&quot;'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I see a lady. -- '''Min ve pipix ai tespin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A man wants a messenger. -- '''Terbi ve pengix ai orgod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You want a mage. -- '''Ken ve pengix ai pallod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She loves a guard. -- '''Dan ve serpix ai bobire.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He sees me. -- '''Dan ve pipix ai min.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> =Lesson Two=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Complete the following:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. an inn = brog; the inn = '''brogoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. a bear = marnu; the bear = '''marnuth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. a king = gossa; the king = '''gossath'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. a land = arang; the land = '''arangoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. a port = dreki; the port = '''drekith'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 6. a castle = horna; the castle = '''hornath'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 7. a sword = dixtis; the sword = '''dixtisoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> Complete the following:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #an inn = brog. inns = '''brogel''' the inns = '''brogeloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a lady = tespin. ladies = '''tespinel''' the ladies = '''tespineloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a castle = horna. castles = '''hornal''' the castles = '''hornaloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a tree = alfri. trees = '''alfrial''' the trees = '''alfrialoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a girl = dendre. girls = '''dendrel''' the girls = '''dendreloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a land = arang. lands = '''arangel''' the lands = '''arangeloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Min ve pipix ai gossath. -- '''I see the king.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Bobireloth ve pengix ai dendrel. -- '''The guards love girls.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Tespineloth ve serpix ai min. -- '''The girls love me.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Terbialoth ve sartua ai flin. -- '''The men are drinking beer.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Ken ve pipix ai hornaloth. -- '''You see the castles.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The guards see an inn. -- '''Bobireloth ve pipix ai brog.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Guards love beer. -- '''Bobirel ve serpix ai flin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #A messenger sees the castles. -- '''Orgod ve pipix ai hornaloth.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The men want swords. -- '''Terbialoth ve pengix ai dixtisel.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The mage loves a lady. -- '''Pallodoth ve serpix ai tespin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Three==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Gessi bobireleth ve sartix ai milla flin. -- '''The young guards are drinking a lot of beer.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Brogoth ve milla sith. -- '''The inn is very large.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Min ve serpix ai sarla dendre. -- '''I love a pretty girl.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Sarla dendreth mu ve serpix ai min. -- '''Pretty girls do not love me.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Orgodoth ve pengix ai gord dixtisel. -- '''The messengers want bright swords.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Sith hornath ve milla kam. -- '''The big inn is very old.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Ken ve milla sarla! -- '''You are very beautiful!'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Pallodoth ve pipix ai kam alfrial. -- '''The mage sees old trees.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Kam terbial ve pengix ai gessi dendrel. -- '''Old men love young girls.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The trees are not very old. -- '''Alfrialoth mu ve milla kam.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The young guard loves a pretty girl. -- '''Gessi bobireth ve serpix ai sarla dendre.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The guards see a big inn. -- '''Bobireloth ve pipix ai sith brog.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The swords are very bright. - '''Dixtiseloth ve milla gord.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #I see the land; I do not see the port. -- '''Min ve pipix ai arangoth; Min mu ve pipix ai drekith.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The mages want a lot of beer. -- '''Pallodeloth ve pengix ai milla flin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #You do not see the young men. -- '''Ken mu ve pipix ai gessi terbialoth.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The big castle is pretty. -- '''Sith hornath ve sarla.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The king is not a bear. -- '''Gossath mu ve sarnu.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> =Lesson Three=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:<br /> #Bobireloth ve issix ne sith hornath me gord dixtisel. -- '''The guards go to the big castle with bright swords.'''<br /> #Korth ve ettix ker Podar ul Rixteti Delvith. -- '''A Korthai &quot;goes from&quot; (comes from) the house of the silver swan.'''<br /> #Milla sarla dendrel ve tin podaroth ul Dasmia. -- '''Many pretty girls are in the house of Dasmia.'''<br /> #Van brog tin Drekith ve Brog ul Quar Daxkoth. -- '''(a) good inn in Drache is &quot;inn of the black dragon&quot; (the black dragon inn).'''<br /> #Kam la gessi terbialoth la tespineloth ve ben brogettoth tin Brog ul Quar Daxkoth. -- '''The old and young men and women are at the bar in the Black Dragon Inn.'''<br /> #Rixteti dixtis ve milla gord. -- '''(a) silver sword is very bright.'''<br /> #Gossa Arlok ve sulix ai van dixtis ne vorfonoth. -- '''King Arlok gives a good sword to the man.'''<br /> #Molly ve sulix ai flinoth ne bobireth ben brogoth. -- '''Molly gives beer to the guards at the inn.'''<br /> #Milla van pallodeloth ve tin Drekith. -- '''Many good mages are in Drache.'''<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:<br /> #She comes from the castle to the old trees.<br /> #The old mage wants a beer at the inn.<br /> #The beer at the House of the Silver Swan is very good.<br /> #The Korthai sees a pretty girl and goes to her.<br /> #King Arlok in Hornath-ul-Marfed is not a good man.<br /> #The Blkdragon Inn [Inn of the Black Dragon] is in Drache, and many pretty ladies are seen in it.<br /> #Many good guards are with the king in the castle.<br /> #The beer is for the man of the house.<br /> #Castle Black [the Black Castle] in Drache is not very old.<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Four=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Five=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Six=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Seven=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Eight=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> <br /> [[Category: Arangothek]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Learning_Arangothek_Key&diff=4694 2013-05-12T01:36:57Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>This page holds the answers for all of the exercises in the [[Learning Arangothek]] lessons. You can search for them below by the same headings they have in the original document! Answers compiled by [[User:bornfor|bornfor]], any and all errors are thus his. Please feel free to send questions and comments to him.<br /> <br /> '''PLEASE NOTE''' that due to &lt;strike&gt;laziness&lt;/strike&gt; the inherent nature of creating &quot;keys&quot; to the lessons, this document will probably incomplete for a little while. Have patience! Any questions about answers or requests for expedited answer posting can be directed (with likely good effect) to [[User:bornfor|bornfor]].<br /> <br /> =Lesson One=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Ken ve pipix. -- '''You see / You are seeing.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Dan ve pipessa. -- '''It is seen.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Min ve pengix. -- '''I want / I am wanting.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Pallod ve pengessa. - '''A mage is wanted.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ken ve serpessa. - '''You are loved.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I love. -- '''Min ve serpix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A messenger is seen. -- '''Orgod ve pipessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You are wanted. -- '''Ken ve pengessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She sees. -- '''Dan ve pipix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He is loved. -- '''Dan ve serpessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Min ve serpix ai ken. -- '''I love you.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Ken ve pipix ai pallod. -- '''You see (a) mage.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Terbi ve pengix ai orgod. -- '''(a) Man loves (a) messenger.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Dan ve serpix ai tespin. -- '''He/She/It loves (a) girl.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ai terbi ve pipix bobire. -- '''&quot;man sees guard&quot; -&gt; &quot;(A) guard sees (a) man.&quot;'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I see a lady. -- '''Min ve pipix ai tespin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A man wants a messenger. -- '''Terbi ve pengix ai orgod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You want a mage. -- '''Ken ve pengix ai pallod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She loves a guard. -- '''Dan ve serpix ai bobire.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He sees me. -- '''Dan ve pipix ai min.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> =Lesson Two=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Complete the following:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. an inn = brog; the inn = '''brogoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. a bear = marnu; the bear = '''marnuth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. a king = gossa; the king = '''gossath'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. a land = arang; the land = '''arangoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. a port = dreki; the port = '''drekith'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 6. a castle = horna; the castle = '''hornath'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 7. a sword = dixtis; the sword = '''dixtisoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> Complete the following:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #an inn = brog. inns = '''brogel''' the inns = '''brogeloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a lady = tespin. ladies = '''tespinel''' the ladies = '''tespineloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a castle = horna. castles = '''hornal''' the castles = '''hornaloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a tree = alfri. trees = '''alfrial''' the trees = '''alfrialoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a girl = dendre. girls = '''dendrel''' the girls = '''dendreloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a land = arang. lands = '''arangel''' the lands = '''arangeloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Min ve pipix ai gossath. -- '''I see the king.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Bobireloth ve pengix ai dendrel. -- '''The guards love girls.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Tespineloth ve serpix ai min. -- '''The girls love me.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Terbialoth ve sartua ai flin. -- '''The men are drinking beer.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Ken ve pipix ai hornaloth. -- '''You see the castles.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The guards see an inn. -- '''Bobireloth ve pipix ai brog.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Guards love beer. -- '''Bobirel ve serpix ai flin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #A messenger sees the castles. -- '''Orgod ve pipix ai hornaloth.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The men want swords. -- '''Terbialoth ve pengix ai dixtisel.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The mage loves a lady. -- '''Pallodoth ve serpix ai tespin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Three==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Gessi bobireleth ve sartix ai milla flin. -- '''The young guards are drinking a lot of beer.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Brogoth ve milla sith. -- '''The inn is very large.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Min ve serpix ai sarla dendre. -- '''I love a pretty girl.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Sarla dendreth mu ve serpix ai min. -- '''Pretty girls do not love me.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Orgodoth ve pengix ai gord dixtisel. -- '''The messengers want bright swords.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Sith hornath ve milla kam. -- '''The big inn is very old.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Ken ve milla sarla! -- '''You are very beautiful!'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Pallodoth ve pipix ai kam alfrial. -- '''The mage sees old trees.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Kam terbial ve pengix ai gessi dendrel. -- '''Old men love young girls.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The trees are not very old. -- '''Alfrialoth mu ve milla kam.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The young guard loves a pretty girl. -- '''Gessi bobireth ve serpix ai sarla dendre.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The guards see a big inn. -- '''Bobireloth ve pipix ai sith brog.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The swords are very bright. - '''Dixtiseloth ve milla gord.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #I see the land; I do not see the port. -- '''Min ve pipix ai arangoth; Min mu ve pipix ai drekith.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The mages want a lot of beer. -- '''Pallodeloth ve pengix ai milla flin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #You do not see the young men. -- '''Ken mu ve pipix ai gessi terbialoth.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The big castle is pretty. -- '''Sith hornath ve sarla.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The king is not a bear. -- '''Gossath mu ve sarnu.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> =Lesson Three=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Four=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Five=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Six=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Seven=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Eight=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> <br /> [[Category: Arangothek]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Learning_Arangothek_Key&diff=4693 2013-05-12T01:35:34Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Exercise Three */</p> <hr /> <div>This page holds the answers for all of the exercises in the [[Learning Arangothek]] lessons. You can search for them below by the same headings they have in the original document! Answers compiled by [[User:bornfor|bornfor]], any and all errors are thus his. Please feel free to send questions and comments to him.<br /> <br /> '''PLEASE NOTE''' that due to the &lt;strike&gt;lazy&lt;/strike&gt; inherent nature of creating &quot;keys&quot; to the lessons, this document will probably incomplete for a little while. Have patience! Any questions about answers or requests for expedited answer posting can be directed (with likely good effect) to [[User:bornfor|bornfor]].<br /> <br /> =Lesson One=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Ken ve pipix. -- '''You see / You are seeing.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Dan ve pipessa. -- '''It is seen.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Min ve pengix. -- '''I want / I am wanting.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Pallod ve pengessa. - '''A mage is wanted.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ken ve serpessa. - '''You are loved.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I love. -- '''Min ve serpix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A messenger is seen. -- '''Orgod ve pipessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You are wanted. -- '''Ken ve pengessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She sees. -- '''Dan ve pipix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He is loved. -- '''Dan ve serpessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Min ve serpix ai ken. -- '''I love you.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Ken ve pipix ai pallod. -- '''You see (a) mage.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Terbi ve pengix ai orgod. -- '''(a) Man loves (a) messenger.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Dan ve serpix ai tespin. -- '''He/She/It loves (a) girl.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ai terbi ve pipix bobire. -- '''&quot;man sees guard&quot; -&gt; &quot;(A) guard sees (a) man.&quot;'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I see a lady. -- '''Min ve pipix ai tespin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A man wants a messenger. -- '''Terbi ve pengix ai orgod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You want a mage. -- '''Ken ve pengix ai pallod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She loves a guard. -- '''Dan ve serpix ai bobire.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He sees me. -- '''Dan ve pipix ai min.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> =Lesson Two=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Complete the following:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. an inn = brog; the inn = '''brogoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. a bear = marnu; the bear = '''marnuth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. a king = gossa; the king = '''gossath'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. a land = arang; the land = '''arangoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. a port = dreki; the port = '''drekith'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 6. a castle = horna; the castle = '''hornath'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 7. a sword = dixtis; the sword = '''dixtisoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> Complete the following:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #an inn = brog. inns = '''brogel''' the inns = '''brogeloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a lady = tespin. ladies = '''tespinel''' the ladies = '''tespineloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a castle = horna. castles = '''hornal''' the castles = '''hornaloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a tree = alfri. trees = '''alfrial''' the trees = '''alfrialoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a girl = dendre. girls = '''dendrel''' the girls = '''dendreloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a land = arang. lands = '''arangel''' the lands = '''arangeloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Min ve pipix ai gossath. -- '''I see the king.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Bobireloth ve pengix ai dendrel. -- '''The guards love girls.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Tespineloth ve serpix ai min. -- '''The girls love me.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Terbialoth ve sartua ai flin. -- '''The men are drinking beer.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Ken ve pipix ai hornaloth. -- '''You see the castles.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The guards see an inn. -- '''Bobireloth ve pipix ai brog.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Guards love beer. -- '''Bobirel ve serpix ai flin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #A messenger sees the castles. -- '''Orgod ve pipix ai hornaloth.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The men want swords. -- '''Terbialoth ve pengix ai dixtisel.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The mage loves a lady. -- '''Pallodoth ve serpix ai tespin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Three==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Gessi bobireleth ve sartix ai milla flin. -- '''The young guards are drinking a lot of beer.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Brogoth ve milla sith. -- '''The inn is very large.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Min ve serpix ai sarla dendre. -- '''I love a pretty girl.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Sarla dendreth mu ve serpix ai min. -- '''Pretty girls do not love me.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Orgodoth ve pengix ai gord dixtisel. -- '''The messengers want bright swords.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Sith hornath ve milla kam. -- '''The big inn is very old.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Ken ve milla sarla! -- '''You are very beautiful!'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Pallodoth ve pipix ai kam alfrial. -- '''The mage sees old trees.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Kam terbial ve pengix ai gessi dendrel. -- '''Old men love young girls.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The trees are not very old. -- '''Alfrialoth mu ve milla kam.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The young guard loves a pretty girl. -- '''Gessi bobireth ve serpix ai sarla dendre.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The guards see a big inn. -- '''Bobireloth ve pipix ai sith brog.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The swords are very bright. - '''Dixtiseloth ve milla gord.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #I see the land; I do not see the port. -- '''Min ve pipix ai arangoth; Min mu ve pipix ai drekith.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The mages want a lot of beer. -- '''Pallodeloth ve pengix ai milla flin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #You do not see the young men. -- '''Ken mu ve pipix ai gessi terbialoth.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The big castle is pretty. -- '''Sith hornath ve sarla.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The king is not a bear. -- '''Gossath mu ve sarnu.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> =Lesson Three=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Four=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Five=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Six=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Seven=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Eight=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> <br /> [[Category: Arangothek]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Learning_Arangothek_Key&diff=4692 2013-05-12T01:25:49Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Exercise Two */</p> <hr /> <div>This page holds the answers for all of the exercises in the [[Learning Arangothek]] lessons. You can search for them below by the same headings they have in the original document! Answers compiled by [[User:bornfor|bornfor]], any and all errors are thus his. Please feel free to send questions and comments to him.<br /> <br /> '''PLEASE NOTE''' that due to the &lt;strike&gt;lazy&lt;/strike&gt; inherent nature of creating &quot;keys&quot; to the lessons, this document will probably incomplete for a little while. Have patience! Any questions about answers or requests for expedited answer posting can be directed (with likely good effect) to [[User:bornfor|bornfor]].<br /> <br /> =Lesson One=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Ken ve pipix. -- '''You see / You are seeing.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Dan ve pipessa. -- '''It is seen.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Min ve pengix. -- '''I want / I am wanting.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Pallod ve pengessa. - '''A mage is wanted.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ken ve serpessa. - '''You are loved.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I love. -- '''Min ve serpix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A messenger is seen. -- '''Orgod ve pipessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You are wanted. -- '''Ken ve pengessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She sees. -- '''Dan ve pipix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He is loved. -- '''Dan ve serpessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Min ve serpix ai ken. -- '''I love you.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Ken ve pipix ai pallod. -- '''You see (a) mage.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Terbi ve pengix ai orgod. -- '''(a) Man loves (a) messenger.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Dan ve serpix ai tespin. -- '''He/She/It loves (a) girl.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ai terbi ve pipix bobire. -- '''&quot;man sees guard&quot; -&gt; &quot;(A) guard sees (a) man.&quot;'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I see a lady. -- '''Min ve pipix ai tespin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A man wants a messenger. -- '''Terbi ve pengix ai orgod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You want a mage. -- '''Ken ve pengix ai pallod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She loves a guard. -- '''Dan ve serpix ai bobire.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He sees me. -- '''Dan ve pipix ai min.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> =Lesson Two=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Complete the following:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. an inn = brog; the inn = '''brogoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. a bear = marnu; the bear = '''marnuth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. a king = gossa; the king = '''gossath'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. a land = arang; the land = '''arangoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. a port = dreki; the port = '''drekith'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 6. a castle = horna; the castle = '''hornath'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 7. a sword = dixtis; the sword = '''dixtisoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> Complete the following:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #an inn = brog. inns = '''brogel''' the inns = '''brogeloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a lady = tespin. ladies = '''tespinel''' the ladies = '''tespineloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a castle = horna. castles = '''hornal''' the castles = '''hornaloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a tree = alfri. trees = '''alfrial''' the trees = '''alfrialoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a girl = dendre. girls = '''dendrel''' the girls = '''dendreloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #a land = arang. lands = '''arangel''' the lands = '''arangeloth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Min ve pipix ai gossath. -- '''I see the king.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Bobireloth ve pengix ai dendrel. -- '''The guards love girls.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Tespineloth ve serpix ai min. -- '''The girls love me.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Terbialoth ve sartua ai flin. -- '''The men are drinking beer.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Ken ve pipix ai hornaloth. -- '''You see the castles.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The guards see an inn. -- '''Bobireloth ve pipix ai brog.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #Guards love beer. -- '''Bobirel ve serpix ai flin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #A messenger sees the castles. -- '''Orgod ve pipix ai hornaloth.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The men want swords. -- '''Terbialoth ve pengix ai dixtisel.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> #The mage loves a lady. -- '''Pallodoth ve serpix ai tespin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Three==<br /> =Lesson Three=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Four=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Five=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Six=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Seven=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Eight=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> <br /> [[Category: Arangothek]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Learning_Arangothek_Key&diff=4691 2013-05-12T01:19:05Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Exercise One */</p> <hr /> <div>This page holds the answers for all of the exercises in the [[Learning Arangothek]] lessons. You can search for them below by the same headings they have in the original document! Answers compiled by [[User:bornfor|bornfor]], any and all errors are thus his. Please feel free to send questions and comments to him.<br /> <br /> '''PLEASE NOTE''' that due to the &lt;strike&gt;lazy&lt;/strike&gt; inherent nature of creating &quot;keys&quot; to the lessons, this document will probably incomplete for a little while. Have patience! Any questions about answers or requests for expedited answer posting can be directed (with likely good effect) to [[User:bornfor|bornfor]].<br /> <br /> =Lesson One=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Ken ve pipix. -- '''You see / You are seeing.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Dan ve pipessa. -- '''It is seen.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Min ve pengix. -- '''I want / I am wanting.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Pallod ve pengessa. - '''A mage is wanted.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ken ve serpessa. - '''You are loved.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I love. -- '''Min ve serpix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A messenger is seen. -- '''Orgod ve pipessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You are wanted. -- '''Ken ve pengessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She sees. -- '''Dan ve pipix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He is loved. -- '''Dan ve serpessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Min ve serpix ai ken. -- '''I love you.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Ken ve pipix ai pallod. -- '''You see (a) mage.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Terbi ve pengix ai orgod. -- '''(a) Man loves (a) messenger.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Dan ve serpix ai tespin. -- '''He/She/It loves (a) girl.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ai terbi ve pipix bobire. -- '''&quot;man sees guard&quot; -&gt; &quot;(A) guard sees (a) man.&quot;'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I see a lady. -- '''Min ve pipix ai tespin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A man wants a messenger. -- '''Terbi ve pengix ai orgod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You want a mage. -- '''Ken ve pengix ai pallod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She loves a guard. -- '''Dan ve serpix ai bobire.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He sees me. -- '''Dan ve pipix ai min.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> =Lesson Two=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Complete the following:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. an inn = brog; the inn = '''brogoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. a bear = marnu; the bear = '''marnuth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. a king = gossa; the king = '''gossath'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. a land = arang; the land = '''arangoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. a port = dreki; the port = '''drekith'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 6. a castle = horna; the castle = '''hornath'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 7. a sword = dixtis; the sword = '''dixtisoth'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> ==Exercise Three==<br /> =Lesson Three=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Four=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Five=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Six=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Seven=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Eight=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> <br /> [[Category: Arangothek]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Learning_Arangothek_Key&diff=4690 2013-05-12T01:16:38Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Exercise Two */</p> <hr /> <div>This page holds the answers for all of the exercises in the [[Learning Arangothek]] lessons. You can search for them below by the same headings they have in the original document! Answers compiled by [[User:bornfor|bornfor]], any and all errors are thus his. Please feel free to send questions and comments to him.<br /> <br /> '''PLEASE NOTE''' that due to the &lt;strike&gt;lazy&lt;/strike&gt; inherent nature of creating &quot;keys&quot; to the lessons, this document will probably incomplete for a little while. Have patience! Any questions about answers or requests for expedited answer posting can be directed (with likely good effect) to [[User:bornfor|bornfor]].<br /> <br /> =Lesson One=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Ken ve pipix. -- '''You see / You are seeing.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Dan ve pipessa. -- '''It is seen.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Min ve pengix. -- '''I want / I am wanting.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Pallod ve pengessa. - '''A mage is wanted.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ken ve serpessa. - '''You are loved.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I love. -- '''Min ve serpix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A messenger is seen. -- '''Orgod ve pipessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You are wanted. -- '''Ken ve pengessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She sees. -- '''Dan ve pipix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He is loved. -- '''Dan ve serpessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Min ve serpix ai ken. -- '''I love you.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Ken ve pipix ai pallod. -- '''You see (a) mage.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Terbi ve pengix ai orgod. -- '''(a) Man loves (a) messenger.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Dan ve serpix ai tespin. -- '''He/She/It loves (a) girl.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ai terbi ve pipix bobire. -- '''&quot;man sees guard&quot; -&gt; &quot;(A) guard sees (a) man.&quot;'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I see a lady. -- '''Min ve pipix ai tespin.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A man wants a messenger. -- '''Terbi ve pengix ai orgod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You want a mage. -- '''Ken ve pengix ai pallod.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She loves a guard. -- '''Dan ve serpix ai bobire.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He sees me. -- '''Dan ve pipix ai min.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> =Lesson Two=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> ==Exercise Three==<br /> =Lesson Three=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Four=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Five=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Six=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Seven=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Eight=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> <br /> [[Category: Arangothek]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Learning_Arangothek_Key&diff=4689 2013-05-12T01:09:57Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Exercise One */</p> <hr /> <div>This page holds the answers for all of the exercises in the [[Learning Arangothek]] lessons. You can search for them below by the same headings they have in the original document! Answers compiled by [[User:bornfor|bornfor]], any and all errors are thus his. Please feel free to send questions and comments to him.<br /> <br /> '''PLEASE NOTE''' that due to the &lt;strike&gt;lazy&lt;/strike&gt; inherent nature of creating &quot;keys&quot; to the lessons, this document will probably incomplete for a little while. Have patience! Any questions about answers or requests for expedited answer posting can be directed (with likely good effect) to [[User:bornfor|bornfor]].<br /> <br /> =Lesson One=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Ken ve pipix. -- '''You see / You are seeing.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Dan ve pipessa. -- '''It is seen.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Min ve pengix. -- '''I want / I am wanting.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Pallod ve pengessa. - '''A mage is wanted.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ken ve serpessa. - '''You are loved.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> Translate into Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. I love. -- '''Min ve serpix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. A messenger is seen. -- '''Orgod ve pipessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. You are wanted. -- '''Ken ve pengessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. She sees. -- '''Dan ve pipix.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. He is loved. -- '''Dan ve serpessa.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Two=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> ==Exercise Three==<br /> =Lesson Three=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Four=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Five=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Six=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Seven=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Eight=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> <br /> [[Category: Arangothek]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Learning_Arangothek_Key&diff=4688 2013-05-12T01:07:20Z

<p>Bornfor: /* Exercise One */</p> <hr /> <div>This page holds the answers for all of the exercises in the [[Learning Arangothek]] lessons. You can search for them below by the same headings they have in the original document! Answers compiled by [[User:bornfor|bornfor]], any and all errors are thus his. Please feel free to send questions and comments to him.<br /> <br /> '''PLEASE NOTE''' that due to the &lt;strike&gt;lazy&lt;/strike&gt; inherent nature of creating &quot;keys&quot; to the lessons, this document will probably incomplete for a little while. Have patience! Any questions about answers or requests for expedited answer posting can be directed (with likely good effect) to [[User:bornfor|bornfor]].<br /> <br /> =Lesson One=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> Translate from Arangothian:&lt;br&gt;<br /> 1. Ken ve pipix. -- '''You see / You are seeing.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 2. Dan ve pipessa. -- '''It is seen.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 3. Min ve pengix. -- '''I want / I am wanting.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 4. Pallod ve pengessa. - '''A mage is wanted.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> 5. Ken ve serpessa. - '''You are loved.'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Two=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> ==Exercise Three==<br /> =Lesson Three=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Four=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Five=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Six=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Seven=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Eight=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> <br /> [[Category: Arangothek]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Learning_Arangothek_Key&diff=4687 2013-05-11T03:21:31Z

<p>Bornfor: Created page with &quot;This page holds the answers for all of the exercises in the Learning Arangothek lessons. You can search for them below by the same headings they have in the original docu...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>This page holds the answers for all of the exercises in the [[Learning Arangothek]] lessons. You can search for them below by the same headings they have in the original document! Answers compiled by [[User:bornfor|bornfor]], any and all errors are thus his. Please feel free to send questions and comments to him.<br /> <br /> '''PLEASE NOTE''' that due to the &lt;strike&gt;lazy&lt;/strike&gt; inherent nature of creating &quot;keys&quot; to the lessons, this document will probably incomplete for a little while. Have patience! Any questions about answers or requests for expedited answer posting can be directed (with likely good effect) to [[User:bornfor|bornfor]].<br /> <br /> =Lesson One=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Two=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> ==Exercise Three==<br /> =Lesson Three=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Four=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Five=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> =Lesson Six=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Seven=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> =Lesson Eight=<br /> ==Exercise One==<br /> ==Exercise Two==<br /> <br /> [[Category: Arangothek]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ellurian_West_Teldanari&diff=4684 2013-05-07T22:22:27Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Race<br /> | common_name = Etenari<br /> | image = Etenari.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | formal_name =Ellurian West Teldanari<br /> | average_height =<br /> | average_weight =5'8&quot;<br /> | eye_color =widely varied, but does include the strange reddish pink of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | hair_color =widely varied, but includes the white of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | country_of_origin =Currently from [[Elluria]] via [[Aslar]], ultimately originating in [[Teldanar]]<br /> | significant_populations =Elluria<br /> | language1 =Etenari language (a dialect of Teldanari)<br /> | language2 =<br /> | language3 =<br /> | religion1 =[[Alouism]]<br /> | religion2 =<br /> | religion3 =<br /> | related_races =[[Teldanar]]i<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Ellurian West Teldanari''', most commonly called '''Etenari''', are a group of [[Teldanar]]i people who were relocated to [[Elluria]] from [[Aslar]] in the time before the [[History_of_Elluria#The_Southland_War |Southland War]]. Most of these people were from the middle regions of Aslar and spoke Aslar as their native language. Due to their relative isolation from other Teldanari peoples, they have developed their own unique spin on Teldanari customs. Also, due to geographical relocations over their history and their open-ness to &quot;adoption&quot; (and looser traditional definition of marriage), these people tend to have a lower number of the very pale-white (perhaps albino) features that their eastern cousins display. Many Etenari people look indistinguishable from very fair Ellurian or Aslarian humans (excluding, of course, mode of dress).<br /> <br /> After their relocation, many Etenari found work in the docks and fishing cities. They quickly became expert seamen, known for their patient mastery of many ocean-related skills. Etenari-prepared fish is a local delicacy in some parts of western Elluria.<br /> <br /> ==Culture==<br /> Etenari revere [[Alou]], the &quot;nameless god&quot; (also &quot;the faceless god&quot;). From the age of 12 on, both men and women cover their faces and their bodies with loose cloth (normally white) as a display of faith. <br /> <br /> ===Beliefs===<br /> The Etenari have a song which is passed from generation to generation, telling of the greatness of Alou and how Alou spun the world into existence off of a great wheel. The world and all creations of Alou were beautiful and flawless, but Man grew too enamored of the power of the Wheel and tried to use it for his own amusement, thus irreparably altering both the nature of humanoids and the world. Alou vowed to fix the mistake Man had made by removing Man from being (and thus Men took up the veil (''laadakh'', called ''laakh'' among the Teldanari) to hide themselves from Alou), but one child's innocence and purity stopped his hand. <br /> <br /> Mankind was saved, but the Etenari wear the veil and sing the song still, to remind themselves to be humble and think always of the mercy of Alou and the beauty of the natural state of things.<br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Circles of Loyalty===<br /> Etenari categorize their relationships based on &quot;circles&quot; of importance and loyalty. The lower the number of an individual's &quot;circle&quot;, the more important and prioritized their interactions are with Etenari people. This is, of course, just a general idea and not a hard and fast rule. Etenari are human beings and make many exceptions to this hierarchy every day.<br /> <br /> Some people have argued for the combining of circles one and two below, since in practice there is usually little difference between how a family member is treated and a clanmember is treated.<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Circle'''<br /> |'''Includes'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''First'''<br /> |Immediate family, one's spouse and children, siblings, parents, etc.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Second'''<br /> |Extended family and one's entire clan.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Third'''<br /> |Business partners and known Etenari of other clans.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fourth'''<br /> |Relevant non-Etenari.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fifth'''<br /> |Everyone and everything else.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Peculiarities==<br /> ===Family and Oaths===<br /> Etenari people place high value on Family and Oaths. A person will gladly lay down their lives to protect their kinsmen, and will do what is necessary to ensure the continuation of their clan. <br /> <br /> A promise made by an Etenari person is widely considered as good as a deed already done.<br /> <br /> ===Dietary concerns===<br /> Etenari people refuse to eat eggs or baby animals out of deference to the wishes to Alou. (See &quot;Beliefs&quot; above.) Breads are bound together with chia rather than egg. They have no problem eating seeds and grains as these are not recognised as &quot;offspring&quot;. Something which requires aid (in this case water) to become life is not considered a child. Eggs hatch on their own, seeds (agriculturally grown) require preparation of the soil, toil, careful handling, etc, to produce &quot;offspring&quot; (seedlings). <br /> <br /> ===Wholeism===<br /> The traditional Etenari consideration is that a family or clan is one being rather than many separate ones bound together by circumstance. This extends to their understanding of nature and the world at whole, as well. One animal is the same as another, one plant the same as another. They are instances of a greater whole. It is for this reason that an individual will gladly give their life to ensure continuation of their family or clan: their life is not being wasted, it is simply one part of the whole acting to defend the whole.<br /> <br /> ===Etenari Marriage===<br /> Marriage is less of a binding contract for the Etenari than it is for many societies. A marriage to a person includes a pact to take care of the partner at all costs, to care for the children of the woman in the marriage (there is no homosexual marriage equivalent among the Etenari), and to honor the clans of both spouses.<br /> <br /> Etenari are free to take other lovers, and quite often do. Those Etenari who are seafarers tend to have several relationships on the side, though there is a taboo about creating anything stable or long-lasting with anyone other than their spouse. Any children from these other relationships are not considered Etenari or part of the clan of the father if the mother is not Etenari. These children are considered members only of the social group of their mothers. The children of Etenari mothers who are the product of a union with a non-Etenari are considered to be Etenari, but are not considered children of the non-Etenari parent at all.<br /> <br /> ==Language==<br /> Ellurian West Teldanari speak an Aslar-influenced dialect of Teldanari which is written with Aslarian glyphs.<br /> <br /> ==Etenari Clans==<br /> Etenari people generally fall into one of the five clans. There are technically six, but one has since gone extinct.<br /> <br /> ===Nisaadari===<br /> Etenari Nisaad are the Etenari equivalent of priests or contemplative monks. They are the keepers of the song, givers of prophecy, and generally speaking thought of highly by the other clans. Initiated Etenari Nisaad maintain a telepathic link to one another with heavy consumption of the western variety of [[Nokos]] mushroom.<br /> <br /> ===Tindasari===<br /> Etenayari Tindas.<br /> <br /> ===Adoption===<br /> Etenari are distinguished from their Eastern cousins by their liberal attitude towards adoption of outsiders into the whole. Any person who proves themselves willing to lay down their lives to defend a clan of Etenari, or who takes up an oath of an Etenari person and sees it to completion becomes eligible for the status of ''Etenayari'', &quot;Found/Discovered Etenari&quot;. If the clan finds them to be worthy, they will become another member of that clan. Immediate full-blood siblings of the ''Etenayari'' are also considered to be ''Etenayari'', however recognition of this status requires that they themselves claim it by presenting themselves to the clan Fathers. The children of ''Etenayari'' are not ''Etenayari'', but rather simply Etenari.<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are expected to adhere to the same general guidelines as Etenari people themselves do: protect the Whole, keep one's oaths, etc. They are, however, not penalised if they fail to wear the veil (''laadakh'') and don't keep to the dietary restrictions (though this is frowned upon).<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are not clan-mobile, unlike Etenari. (They remain with the clan they are adopted into until they die, and cannot be adopted by/taken into another clan. The exception to this is ''Etenayari'' who later become ''Etenayari Nisaad'', ''Nisaadari'' (the contemplative Etenari equivalent of monks).)<br /> <br /> {{race}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Assi_Language&diff=4683 2013-05-07T19:46:37Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>=Pronunciation= <br /> &lt;pre&gt;<br /> &quot;C&quot; is always hard. <br /> &quot;G&quot; is hard and never pronounced like &quot;J&quot;.<br /> -If paired with an &quot;A&quot; or &quot;E&quot; the &quot;G&quot; is soft and guttural. <br /> &quot;I&quot;s are always short when they end a word. <br /> -An &quot;I&quot; preceded by a vowel always has a soft sound; &quot;ai = ah, oi = oh, etc.&quot;. <br /> -This also occurs if &quot;I&quot; and another vowel are paired together anywhere else in a word. <br /> -However an &quot;I&quot; by itself in the middle of a word is almost always short. <br /> -Other rules regarding apply normally to a solitary &quot;I&quot; <br /> -&quot;S&quot; can also be used so soften the sound of an &quot;I&quot; at the end of a word (Assi sounds like AS-sah). In this respect S behaves like a vowel when paired with &quot;I&quot;. <br /> -An &quot;I&quot; preceded by two vowels in succession has a long sound (Seai sounds like (SEE-aye). <br /> <br /> Vowels repeated in proper nouns and names are always short (Uranadatai sounds like UR-ah-nah-dah-TH-ah). <br /> Vowels repeated in all other words are only short if the same vowel is repeated more than once or preceded by an &quot;E&quot; (In seai, for example, the E has the long sound and the A has the short sound). <br /> &quot;T&quot; has a TH sound when followed by a vowel (Torai sounds like TH-or-ah). <br /> &quot;TH&quot; is always soft and quick, sounding more like a straight &quot;T&quot; (Thorvasi sounds like T-or-VAH-sah) unless it is followed by a vowel. <br /> The first syllable in a word is always stressed.<br /> If the word has four or more syllables then the second to last syllable is also stressed if, and only if, the word ends with an &quot;I&quot;. <br /> An &quot;E&quot; at the end of a word is always silent. <br /> &lt;/pre&gt;<br /> =Verb Structure=<br /> Assi verb structure appears to be unique, but bears a mild similarity to Arangothek.<br /> <br /> The verb for Being (to be, etc.) is Cai.<br /> <br /> ==Present tense of the copula==<br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Pronoun'''<br /> |'''Conjugated form of &quot;cai&quot;, &quot;to be&quot;'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''I (1ps)'''<br /> |csi (self or action)<br /> |cui (state of being)<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''You (2ps)'''<br /> |cai<br /> |-align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''He/She/It (3ps.m/f/n)'''<br /> |cath<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''They (3pp)'''<br /> |cai<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Future tense of the copula==<br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Pronoun'''<br /> |'''Conjugated form of &quot;cai&quot;, &quot;to be&quot;'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''I (1ps), You (2ps), He/She/It (3ps.m/f/n)'''<br /> |cami<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''They (3pp)'''<br /> |caemi<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Past tense of the copula==<br /> ''The original notes listed these as being equivalent to &quot;____ has been done&quot; or &quot;has been done&quot;. I list it here as the past tense, as it's the only one we've got. -[[User:Bornfor|bornfor]]''<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Pronoun'''<br /> |'''Conjugated form of &quot;cai&quot;, &quot;to be&quot;'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''I (1ps), You (2ps), He/She/It (3ps.m/f/n)'''<br /> |corsi<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''They (3pp)'''<br /> |coresmai<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Verb Suffixes and notes on similarity to Arangothek==<br /> In addition to the nine forms of Cai, different suffixes can be added. These suffixes are, in fact, the verbs themselves. It is a structure quite similar to the participle in Arangothian, however these verb suffixes becomes part of the word. Where in Arangothian the two parts of the verb remain separate.<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Affix'''<br /> |'''Meaning in English'''<br /> |'''Example usage'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''-ti'''<br /> |to give<br /> |Caiti, you give.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''-tui'''<br /> |to take<br /> |Csitui, I take.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''-gahi'''<br /> |to watch<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''-msei'''<br /> |to act, to act on<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''-vasi'''<br /> |to fight<br /> |Caemivasi, They will fight.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''-mormi'''<br /> |to die<br /> |Coresmaimormi, They have died.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Forming Infinitives in Assi==<br /> The infinitive is formed by attaching an A, E, or I to the suffix, depending on the word. For example: -ti would be Ati, -mormi would be Amormi, -gahi would be Agahi, etc. The general rule is this; a verb ending with an &quot;I&quot; adds an &quot;A&quot;, a verb ending in any other vowel besides &quot;I&quot; or with an &quot;S&quot; gets an &quot;E&quot;, and a verb ending in any other consonant gets an &quot;I&quot;.<br /> <br /> ==Writing the Assi language==<br /> It should be noted that Assi itself is not considered a written language. Most rules regarding the written use of Assi grammar have only came about in the last two to three hundred years. The traditional written language of the Assi consists of an archaic language consisting of pictographs and the like. Often times when Assi words are written they are spelled phonetically.<br /> <br /> When Assi IS written, often times the prefix and suffix will be separated by a '. So one would write Cai'ti instead of Caiti.<br /> <br /> =Other Suffixes=<br /> <br /> -ith = the<br /> <br /> -si = Plural, often separated from the word by a '.<br /> <br /> -gahi = Diminutive, not to be confused with the verb Agahi.<br /> <br /> -ci/-cti = -ness/-hood, rarely used to form abstract nouns. Only used in archaic forms of address or in formal address, often separated from the word by a '.<br /> <br /> -te/-ta = Respectful form of address, equivalent to Mr. or Mrs. Separated from the name by a '.<br /> <br /> -ais = forms a noun from an adjective.<br /> <br /> =Pronouns=<br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Pronoun'''<br /> |'''Assi base Pronoun'''<br /> |'''Assi Posessive form'''<br /> |'''Example usage'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''I (1ps)'''<br /> |ain<br /> |amai<br /> |Amai dtai, My sword.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''We, (1pp)'''<br /> |ein<br /> |amil<br /> |Amil dtai<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''You, (2ps)'''<br /> |dah<br /> |aei<br /> |Aei dtai, Your sword.<br /> |'''You, (2pp)'''<br /> |diani<br /> |aein<br /> |Aein dtai, Your(pl.) sword.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''He/She/It (3ps.m/f/n)'''<br /> |dahn<br /> |andah<br /> |Andah dtai, His/Her/Its sword.<br /> |'''They (3pp)'''<br /> |miten<br /> |amoind<br /> |Amoind dtai, Their sword.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Demonstratives in Assi==<br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Demonstrative'''<br /> |'''Assi demonstrative'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''This'''<br /> |moi<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''That'''<br /> |mai<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''These'''<br /> |mesi<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Those'''<br /> |meai<br /> |}<br /> <br /> =Numbers:=<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''English'''<br /> |'''Assi'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''One'''<br /> |nai<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Two'''<br /> |dai<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Three'''<br /> |setai<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Four'''<br /> |cemi<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Five'''<br /> |gahmi<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Six'''<br /> |temi<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Seven'''<br /> |dcri<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Eight'''<br /> |con<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Nine'''<br /> |laitum<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Ten'''<br /> |tai<br /> |}<br /> <br /> =Prepositions=<br /> {| {{table}}<br /> | align=&quot;center&quot; style=&quot;background:#f0f0f0;&quot;|'''Prepositon'''<br /> | align=&quot;center&quot; style=&quot;background:#f0f0f0;&quot;|'''Assi'''<br /> | align=&quot;center&quot; style=&quot;background:#f0f0f0;&quot;|'''Example'''<br /> |-<br /> | to||te ||<br /> |-<br /> | of, informal||doi||<br /> |-<br /> | of,semi-formal ||doisi||(doisi'Cyasmai = Son/Daughter of Cyasmai) <br /> |-<br /> | of, formal||daei || (daei'Cyasmai = Of the blood of Cyasmai) <br /> |-<br /> | together with ||an||<br /> |-<br /> | from ||ansai||<br /> |-<br /> | apart from, excluded from, an exception to ||esai||<br /> |-<br /> | by/at ||ten||<br /> |-<br /> | over ||efah||<br /> |-<br /> | under ||meiti||<br /> |-<br /> | for, on behalf of ||de||<br /> |-<br /> | through ||caite||<br /> |-<br /> | across ||camaite||<br /> |-<br /> | in ||n||<br /> |-<br /> | upon ||nasi||<br /> |-<br /> | without.||enai||<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> |}<br /> <br /> =Assi-English Vocabulary=<br /> {| {{table}}<br /> | align=&quot;center&quot; style=&quot;background:#f0f0f0;&quot;|'''Assi'''<br /> | align=&quot;center&quot; style=&quot;background:#f0f0f0;&quot;|'''English'''<br /> |-<br /> | ati || give<br /> |-<br /> | atui || take<br /> |-<br /> | agahi || watch<br /> |-<br /> | amsei || to act, to act on<br /> |-<br /> | avasi || fight<br /> |-<br /> | amormi || die<br /> |-<br /> | aeitesi || run<br /> |-<br /> | agai || go<br /> |-<br /> | anei || stop<br /> |-<br /> | agahai || hunt<br /> |-<br /> | aith || wolf, usually in reference to the wolf-spirit<br /> |-<br /> | aite || tree<br /> |-<br /> | boishai || cow, boishai'si cattle<br /> |-<br /> | ceesai || a celebration, usually religious in nature<br /> |-<br /> | cesi || comb<br /> |-<br /> | Ceicoi || warrior of high rank, a lord but not tribal royalty<br /> |-<br /> | Caicon || male war leader, Chieftain<br /> |-<br /> | coite || man (coite'gahi <br /> |-<br /> | daite || dragon<br /> |-<br /> | daithsi || easy<br /> |-<br /> | daicei || dagger<br /> |-<br /> | dtai || sword<br /> |-<br /> | dteai || carpet<br /> |-<br /> | dgai || soup<br /> |-<br /> | degrai || music<br /> |-<br /> | Eluvrei || female war leader, Chieftess<br /> |-<br /> | eith || hawk, usually in refrence to the hawk-spirit<br /> |-<br /> | emeiste || come<br /> |-<br /> | egaite || walk<br /> |-<br /> | eingaite || enter<br /> |-<br /> | enegaite || exit<br /> |-<br /> | fainaihai || beer<br /> |-<br /> | falvsi || iron<br /> |-<br /> | gaegai || cloak<br /> |-<br /> | gaesi || nail, spike<br /> |-<br /> | gahmai || fire<br /> |-<br /> | haithsi || wood<br /> |-<br /> | hui || red<br /> |-<br /> | ineith || fly<br /> |-<br /> | imeirith || break, wound, or damage<br /> |-<br /> | ltesi || excellent<br /> |-<br /> | moinafte || price<br /> |-<br /> | nsicei || beautiful<br /> |-<br /> | oith || newt(usually in reference to the newt-spirit), salamander, frog, or lizard.<br /> |-<br /> | saihalt || clothing, usually made from wool<br /> |-<br /> | sainoi || bread<br /> |-<br /> | saith || horse, usually in refrence to the horse-spirit<br /> |-<br /> | uith || bird or reference to the sparrow or song-bird spirit<br /> |-<br /> | uimte || stone, earth, or soil<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> |}<br /> <br /> =Common/Useful Phrases=<br /> <br /> Lteai bahnai te'dah - Good day to you.<br /> <br /> Lteai bahnai te'te - Good day to you, sir.<br /> <br /> Cacei cai doi? - Where are you from? (literally, &quot;where are you of?&quot;).<br /> <br /> Csi doi... - I am from... (used when describing one's nationality or<br /> place of birth).<br /> <br /> Cui doi... - I am from... (used when describing places where one has<br /> just came from or where one has just been).<br /> <br /> Saite aei sainte? - What it your name?<br /> <br /> Amai sainte... - My name is...<br /> <br /> Cacei cath... - Where is... ?<br /> <br /> Ltesi te'aie gaith'si./Moinafte bahnai'si te'dah. - Goodbye (May your<br /> paths be excellent/Beautiful days to you).<br /> <br /> [[Category:Languages]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ellurian_West_Teldanari&diff=4679 2013-05-07T18:57:43Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Race<br /> | common_name = Etenari<br /> | image = Etenari.jpg<br /> | alt =<br /> | formal_name =Ellurian West Teldanari<br /> | average_height =<br /> | average_weight =5'8&quot;<br /> | eye_color =widely varied, but does include the strange reddish pink of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | hair_color =widely varied, but includes the white of the [[Teldanar]]i<br /> | country_of_origin =Currently from [[Elluria]] via [[Aslar]], ultimately originating in [[Teldanar]]<br /> | significant_populations =Elluria<br /> | language1 =Etenari language (a dialect of Teldanari)<br /> | language2 =<br /> | language3 =<br /> | religion1 =[[Alouism]]<br /> | religion2 =<br /> | religion3 =<br /> | related_races =[[Teldanar]]i<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The '''Ellurian West Teldanari''', most commonly called '''Etenari''', are a group of [[Teldanar]]i people who were relocated to [[Elluria]] from [[Aslar]] in the time before the [[Southland War]]. Most of these people were from the middle regions of Aslar and spoke Aslar as their native language. Due to their relative isolation from other Teldanari peoples, they have developed their own unique spin on Teldanari customs. Also, due to geographical relocations over their history and their open-ness to &quot;adoption&quot; (and looser traditional definition of marriage), these people tend to have a lower number of the very pale-white (perhaps albino) features that their eastern cousins display. Many Etenari people look indistinguishable from very fair Ellurian or Aslarian humans (excluding, of course, mode of dress).<br /> <br /> After their relocation, many Etenari found work in the docks and fishing cities. They quickly became expert seamen, known for their patient mastery of many ocean-related skills. Etenari-prepared fish is a local delicacy in some parts of western Elluria.<br /> <br /> ==Culture==<br /> Etenari revere [[Alou]], the &quot;nameless god&quot; (also &quot;the faceless god&quot;). From the age of 12 on, both men and women cover their faces and their bodies with loose cloth (normally white) as a display of faith. <br /> <br /> ===Beliefs===<br /> The Etenari have a song which is passed from generation to generation, telling of the greatness of Alou and how Alou spun the world into existence off of a great wheel. The world and all creations of Alou were beautiful and flawless, but Man grew too enamored of the power of the Wheel and tried to use it for his own amusement, thus irreparably altering both the nature of humanoids and the world. Alou vowed to fix the mistake Man had made by removing Man from being (and thus Men took up the veil (''laadakh'', called ''laakh'' among the Teldanari) to hide themselves from Alou), but one child's innocence and purity stopped his hand. <br /> <br /> Mankind was saved, but the Etenari wear the veil and sing the song still, to remind themselves to be humble and think always of the mercy of Alou and the beauty of the natural state of things.<br /> <br /> ===Redemption===<br /> Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of ''laadakh'', allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their ''laadakh'' after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the ''laadakh'' at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is [[Sarah Killian]].<br /> <br /> ===Circles of Loyalty===<br /> Etenari categorize their relationships based on &quot;circles&quot; of importance and loyalty. The lower the number of an individual's &quot;circle&quot;, the more important and prioritized their interactions are with Etenari people. This is, of course, just a general idea and not a hard and fast rule. Etenari are human beings and make many exceptions to this hierarchy every day.<br /> <br /> Some people have argued for the combining of circles one and two below, since in practice there is usually little difference between how a family member is treated and a clanmember is treated.<br /> <br /> {|border=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;4&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;&quot;<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Circle'''<br /> |'''Includes'''<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''First'''<br /> |Immediate family, one's spouse and children, siblings, parents, etc.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Second'''<br /> |Extended family and one's entire clan.*<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Third'''<br /> |Business partners and known Etenari of other clans.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fourth'''<br /> |Relevant non-Etenari.<br /> |- align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |'''Fifth'''<br /> |Everyone and everything else.<br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Peculiarities==<br /> ===Family and Oaths===<br /> Etenari people place high value on Family and Oaths. A person will gladly lay down their lives to protect their kinsmen, and will do what is necessary to ensure the continuation of their clan. <br /> <br /> A promise made by an Etenari person is widely considered as good as a deed already done.<br /> <br /> ===Dietary concerns===<br /> Etenari people refuse to eat eggs or baby animals out of deference to the wishes to Alou. (See &quot;Beliefs&quot; above.) Breads are bound together with chia rather than egg. They have no problem eating seeds and grains as these are not recognised as &quot;offspring&quot;. Something which requires aid (in this case water) to become life is not considered a child. Eggs hatch on their own, seeds (agriculturally grown) require preparation of the soil, toil, careful handling, etc, to produce &quot;offspring&quot; (seedlings). <br /> <br /> ===Wholeism===<br /> The traditional Etenari consideration is that a family or clan is one being rather than many separate ones bound together by circumstance. This extends to their understanding of nature and the world at whole, as well. One animal is the same as another, one plant the same as another. They are instances of a greater whole. It is for this reason that an individual will gladly give their life to ensure continuation of their family or clan: their life is not being wasted, it is simply one part of the whole acting to defend the whole.<br /> <br /> ===Etenari Marriage===<br /> Marriage is less of a binding contract for the Etenari than it is for many societies. A marriage to a person includes a pact to take care of the partner at all costs, to care for the children of the woman in the marriage (there is no homosexual marriage equivalent among the Etenari), and to honor the clans of both spouses.<br /> <br /> Etenari are free to take other lovers, and quite often do. Those Etenari who are seafarers tend to have several relationships on the side, though there is a taboo about creating anything stable or long-lasting with anyone other than their spouse. Any children from these other relationships are not considered Etenari or part of the clan of the father if the mother is not Etenari. These children are considered members only of the social group of their mothers. The children of Etenari mothers who are the product of a union with a non-Etenari are considered to be Etenari, but are not considered children of the non-Etenari parent at all.<br /> <br /> ==Language==<br /> Ellurian West Teldanari speak an Aslar-influenced dialect of Teldanari which is written with Aslarian glyphs.<br /> <br /> ==Etenari Clans==<br /> Etenari people generally fall into one of the five clans. There are technically six, but one has since gone extinct.<br /> <br /> ===Nisaadari===<br /> Etenari Nisaad are the Etenari equivalent of priests or contemplative monks. They are the keepers of the song, givers of prophecy, and generally speaking thought of highly by the other clans. Initiated Etenari Nisaad maintain a telepathic link to one another with heavy consumption of the western variety of [[Nokos]] mushroom.<br /> <br /> ===Tindasari===<br /> Etenayari Tindas.<br /> <br /> ===Adoption===<br /> Etenari are distinguished from their Eastern cousins by their liberal attitude towards adoption of outsiders into the whole. Any person who proves themselves willing to lay down their lives to defend a clan of Etenari, or who takes up an oath of an Etenari person and sees it to completion becomes eligible for the status of ''Etenayari'', &quot;Found/Discovered Etenari&quot;. If the clan finds them to be worthy, they will become another member of that clan. Immediate full-blood siblings of the ''Etenayari'' are also considered to be ''Etenayari'', however recognition of this status requires that they themselves claim it by presenting themselves to the clan Fathers. The children of ''Etenayari'' are not ''Etenayari'', but rather simply Etenari.<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are expected to adhere to the same general guidelines as Etenari people themselves do: protect the Whole, keep one's oaths, etc. They are, however, not penalised if they fail to wear the veil (''laadakh'') and don't keep to the dietary restrictions (though this is frowned upon).<br /> <br /> ''Etenayari'' are not clan-mobile, unlike Etenari. (They remain with the clan they are adopted into until they die, and cannot be adopted by/taken into another clan. The exception to this is ''Etenayari'' who later become ''Etenayari Nisaad'', ''Nisaadari'' (the contemplative Etenari equivalent of monks).)<br /> <br /> {{race}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Etenari&diff=4678 2013-05-07T18:48:24Z

<p>Bornfor: Redirected page to Ellurian West Teldanari</p> <hr /> <div>#REDIRECT [[Ellurian West Teldanari]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Great_Wolf&diff=4666 2013-05-06T18:08:44Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Bestiary<br /> <br /> | common_name = Great Wolf<br /> | image =<br /> | alt =<br /> | other_names =<br /> | natural_habitat = Grasslands, woods<br /> | classification = Canine <br /> | average_size = 4-5 feet high at shoulder, 4.9 - 5.5 ft in length<br /> | average_weight = 175 to 200 lbs<br /> | coloring = black/brown <br /> | distinguishing_features = Normal wolf markings<br /> <br /> }}<br /> <br /> <br /> =Description=<br /> The Great Wolf resembles a normal wolf in most ways outside of being larger and normally black and brown shades. Body style and fur length resembles that of the standard forest wolf, features and head shape as well, just on a larger scale. Normally the wolves have eyes of a darker shade, deep brown or black and sometimes gray. During the winter they grow a downy undercoat of a cream shade making them lighter in appearance.<br /> <br /> Though the great wolf mirrors it's smaller and more diminutive and normal cousin, there are legends about a pure black wolf that rivals even the large animal in size. <br /> <br /> =Habitat=<br /> Though the normal habitat of the Great Wolf are areas of grasslands and wooded regions they have been seen in other types of environment and aren't strictly confined to any one area. These animals hunt in packs and normally end up moving around anywhere that a steady supply of food can be found. <br /> =Breeding Habits=<br /> <br /> =Other Characteristics=<br /> <br /> {{fauna}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Gyrchin&diff=4665 2013-05-06T18:08:25Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Bestiary<br /> <br /> | common_name = Grychin<br /> | image =<br /> | alt =<br /> | other_names =<br /> | natural_habitat = [[Ferluxebi]], Northern steppes of [[Zul Kiras]]<br /> | classification = Mammal<br /> | average_size = 35-65&quot; in length, 29-37&quot; high to shoulder<br /> | average_weight = 90-122lbs<br /> | coloring = Dull green to grey<br /> | distinguishing_features = Sabre teeth, 3 fingers<br /> <br /> }}<br /> <br /> This creature appears to be a sort of primate similar to a spider monkey, only having a number of goblinoid characteristics. Some sages believe that it is the product of magical crossing of a type of monkey and a goblin. Females are slightly larger than males. They've been hunted to near extinction but still cling to life in the [[Ferluxebi]] deserts.<br /> <br /> =Description=<br /> <br /> The Gyrchin is hairless, but it's hide, which ranges from dull green to grey, is thick and leathery. It's lower jaw juts out from it's face, allowing two long sabre-teeth to rise up several inches, rising even above it's head. These are used to kill larger beasts, and also are used like a ram's horns during the mating season, when males fight each other. It's hands hold two thick fingers and an opposable thumb for grasping, but it's knuckles are also heavily padded, enabling it to scamper on all fours at high speeds. <br /> <br /> They are carnivores with three stomachs rather than any chewing teeth. They gulp down large chunks of meat for digestion, usually torn with the help of their huge fangs. Hunting, they use their grasping hands to fasten themselves onto their prey and then tear at it with their mouths. Fighting each other, they prefer to pummel each other with fists and headbutt using the fangs, displaying an almost vicious glee in bruising and beating their foes rather than drawing blood.<br /> <br /> =Habitat=<br /> <br /> Originally they dwelt in the northern reaches of the Ferluxebi desert, possibly close to the place where they were made. They were hunted into near extinction by the native tribes, [[Clans_of_Zul_Kiras#Minor Clans|Yosp]] and [[Clans_of_Zul_Kiras#Minor Clans|Sibdar]] as well as the [[Clans_of_Zul_Kiras#Gutting Spear|Gutting Spear gnolls]] for both sport and to protect animal herds. The [[Zul Kiras|Zul Kiran]] expansion nearly sealed their fate, as their native habitat was civilized, but goblins of the [[Clans_of_Zul_Kiras#Dark Torrent|Dark Torrent clan]] captured a number of them and began to breed and domesticate them. They are now found almost exclusively in the Dark Torrent lands north of the [[Lake of Serpents]], though a few survive in Ferluxebi.<br /> <br /> =Breeding Habits=<br /> <br /> During mating season the males use their long teeth to rut over females. For the days that it takes to arrange a pecking order the entire territory is filled with the noise of screaming and deep resonating grunts. When one male attempts to establish dominance he begins a series of calls. Two short high pitched shrieks followed by a series of three grunts, one long and two short, repeat with one minute intervals until a rival male shows up. What follows is largely a battle of strength with the aim to force the other into submission or death. The spars are short with few longer than fifteen minutes.<br /> <br /> Once an alpha male is established he mates with the females of the group. Gestation takes a few weeks. Packs live in burrows governed by an alpha male and female. Litters are usually between 10 and a dozen, but only about one half survive thanks to inter-litter vicious play, bloodthirsty parents, and harsh training by their goblin masters. This speeds up their growth rate quite a bit and they're old enough to fend for themselves in a matter of months. Both sexes are born with short fangs that grow rapidly. <br /> <br /> Within a year the juveniles are fully grown and join the next round of mating. Males are driven off to start their own packs elsewhere. Few are successful and those who aren't try to join other packs as lower-ranking members that will join the rut when mating season rolls around again and they'll have a chance at the alpha male position then.<br /> <br /> Should a male rut with the alpha male and win before the mating season the new alpha slaughters and devours the usurped male's offspring. This forces the females into estrus again so he can get his own offspring produced.<br /> <br /> =Other Characteristics=<br /> <br /> The Gyrchin are now used as herding animals, like humans utilize dogs. Trained expertly, if harshly, from birth for this, they have proven immensely useful. Their most effective tool in their work being their high-pitched screech, which can shy off even the most steadfast and violent animals. <br /> <br /> Their thick hides are useful in producing hard leathers for armoring both steed and warriors. The hides are not thinned and used as-is for padding chest plates, arm guards and other pieces that need the extra bulk.<br /> <br /> {{fauna}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Template:Infobox_Bestiary&diff=4629 2013-05-06T00:28:59Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox <br /> | bodystyle = <br /> | headerstyle = background:#C3C3C3; <br /> | labelstyle = background:#DEDEDE; width:40%; <br /> <br /> | above = {{{common_name|}}}<br /> | image = {{#if:{{{image|}}}|[[File:{{{image|}}}|200px|alt={{{alt|}}}]]|}}<br /> | caption = {{{other_names|}}}<br /> <br /> | header1 = Information<br /> <br /> | label2 = Natural Habitat:<br /> | data2 = {{{natural_habitat|}}}<br /> <br /> | label3 = Classification:<br /> | data3 = {{{classification|}}}<br /> <br /> | label4 = Average Size:<br /> | data4 = {{{average_size|}}}<br /> <br /> | label5 = Average Weight:<br /> | data5 = {{{average_weight|}}}<br /> <br /> | label6 = Coloring:<br /> | data6 = {{{coloring|}}}<br /> <br /> | label7 = Distinguishing Features:<br /> | data7 = {{{distinguishing_features|}}}<br /> <br /> }}<br /> <br /> &lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:Infoboxes]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Template:Infobox_Bestiary&diff=4628 2013-05-06T00:27:22Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox <br /> | bodystyle = <br /> | headerstyle = background:#C3C3C3; <br /> | labelstyle = background:#DEDEDE; width:40%; <br /> <br /> | above = {{{common_name|}}}<br /> | image = {{#if:{{{image|}}}|[[File:{{{image|}}}|200px|alt={{{alt|}}}]]|}}<br /> | caption = {{{other_names|}}}<br /> <br /> | header1 = Information<br /> <br /> | label2 = Natural Habitat:<br /> | data2 = {{{natural_habitat|}}}<br /> <br /> | label3 = Classification:<br /> | data3 = {{{classification|}}}<br /> <br /> | label4 = Average Size:<br /> | data4 = {{{average_size|}}}<br /> <br /> | label5 = Average Weight:<br /> | data5 = {{{average_weight|}}}<br /> <br /> | label6 = Coloring:<br /> | data6 = {{{coloring|}}}<br /> <br /> | label7 = Distinguishing Features:<br /> | data7 = {{{distinguishing_features|}}}<br /> <br /> }}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Template:Infobox_Bestiary&diff=4627 2013-05-06T00:26:40Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox <br /> | bodystyle = <br /> | headerstyle = background:#C3C3C3; <br /> | labelstyle = background:#DEDEDE; width:40%; <br /> <br /> | above = {{{common_name|}}}<br /> | image = {{#if:{{{image|}}}|[[File:{{{image|}}}|200px|alt={{{alt|}}}]]|}}<br /> | caption = {{{other_names|}}}<br /> <br /> | header1 = Information<br /> <br /> | label2 = Natural Habitat:<br /> | data2 = {{{natural_habitat|}}}<br /> <br /> | label3 = Classification:<br /> | data3 = {{{classification|}}}<br /> <br /> | label4 = Average Size:<br /> | data4 = {{{average_size|}}}<br /> <br /> | label5 = Average Weight:<br /> | data5 = {{{average_weight|}}}<br /> <br /> | label6 = Coloring:<br /> | data6 = {{{coloring|}}}<br /> <br /> | label7 = Distinguishing Features:<br /> | data7 = {{{distinguishing_features|}}}<br /> <br /> }}<br /> <br /> [[Category: Infoboxes]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Portals&diff=4624 2013-05-06T00:22:33Z

<p>Bornfor: Created page with &quot;Are you still there?&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>Are you still there?</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Zul_Kiran_Religion&diff=4618 2013-05-06T00:10:58Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Religion<br /> | name = Zul Kiran Pantheon<br /> | image = <br /> | alt = <br /> | caption = <br /> <br /> | type = Polytheistic<br /> | deity1 = Sek, the Orcfather<br /> | deity2 = <br /> | deity3 =<br /> | deity4 =<br /> | deity5 =<br /> | deity6 =<br /> | regional_origins = Zul Kiras<br /> | practiced_in = Zul Kiras<br /> | symbol = <br /> }}<br /> <br /> =History=<br /> <br /> The orcish religion is extremely polyglot as a natural consequence of the far-flung origins of the component clans of [[Zul Kiras]]. Clans that lived in closer geographic proximity to one another before their entrance to the United Clans tend to have greater similarities in mythology and religious practices. Many clans have almost entirely different pantheons and hierarchies of gods, however, and have different ways of venerating their gods. Some clans also practice ancestor veneration, and still others give honor to numinous spirits that protect and govern various places and activities. The Black Bull Clan was formed from various priests and other religious leaders from the United Clans to ensure that all of the gods receive the proper worship due them. Over the years, the Clan's priests have made impressive strides toward creating a unified mythology, though a complete harmonization of all the disparate elements seems a nearly impossible task. The clan has weathered its share of religious disputes throughout the years, and is not free of internal tensions even now.<br /> <br /> =Belief System=<br /> <br /> One of the few unifying threads among all clans is the worship of Sek, the Orcfather. Among non-orcish clans, he is also referred to as the Goblinfather, Trollfather, or Ogrefather, etc. Sek is the undisputed chief deity in the Zul Kiran religion, though the pantheons that serve him can vary widely from clan to clan. The Zul Kirans believe that Sek rules from his hall of Tanuruzdan, where the souls of the dead are brought before him for judgement. Those found worthy live in his hall and do battle against his enemies, while those found unworthy are cast into a dark and shadowy place called Nnetharr, where they are forgotten. The especially odious might be fed to one of Sek's monstrous pets, or otherwise condemned to an eternity of suffering. Oaths sworn in Sek's name are considered legally binding, and violating such an oath can have grave consequences.<br /> <br /> Prayers are offered to Sek before conducting any public business, as the priests of the Black Bull ask the Orcfather to grant his wisdom to their leaders. This comes as a surprise to individuals who consider orcs bloodthirsty and stupid creatures, since they would not expect their chief god to be renowned for wisdom. Those more familiar with Zul Kiran culture find it well grounded in the Zul Kiran respect for the counsel of the elder members of the clan, and the expectation that their leaders be more than simply handy with a weapon. There is a definite arc in Sek's body of mythology: the tales of his earlier days primarily focus on his battles with other gods, titans, and monsters, while stories taking place after he has fathered offspring and and established Tanuruzdan tend to focus on his role as a wise ruler. It is unclear whether this progression has always existed, or whether it is a reflection of the changing role of Sek in orcish worship. Sek's wisdom even turns up in the stories of the Razortooth Clan, though it is often downplayed in Razortooth mythology in favor of Sek's prowess as a divine warrior. In fact, in many Razortooth myths, the creatures that Sek outsmarts usually become angry with the Orcfather and try to attack him, and he ends up dispatching them anyway.<br /> <br /> Animal sacrifices figure prominently in Sek's worship, and are conducted at the beginning of every religious festival to the Orcfather, as well as to mark the election of a new clan Chieftain or War-King, and before an orcish army goes into battle. When orcs conquer new land, they sacrifice humanoids in thanksgiving to Sek, usually enemy soldiers or other individuals captured from the new territory. The Zul Kirans call this practice the Zirak-Othil, or blood price, and believe that great misfortune will befall them if the proper thanks are not given to Sek for their victory. Other races have naturally decried the barbarity of this practice, though the orcs believe that it is a great honor for the victims, for there is no more precious gift that could be offered to Sek. Curiously, there is a lack of similar outrage over the Aslarian practice of sacrificing their king to the Muns every year.<br /> <br /> When animals or humanoids are sacrificed to Sek, flocks of ravens will descend upon the corpse and reduce it to a skeleton before the sun sets. Ravens are sacred to Sek, believed to bring messages from Sek to the mortal world, and carry the souls of the dead to Sek for judgement. Killing a raven is a religious offense to Sek that requires an orc to make atonement for the crime.<br /> <br /> Another aspect of devotion to Sek is hospitality toward fellow goblinoids, offering travellers a meal and a place to sleep in return for stories about the traveller's clan or tribe. Fenris Bonebreaker exploited this practice when he returned to his home in the Xaad mountains to claim the Chieftainship of the Steel Raven Clan. In the myth that explains the origin of the practice, Sek came to visit a clan of orcs in disguise to announce great news to them, but became angry when they refused to welcome him and turned him away. In punishment, he struck his spear Nelraug against the ground and annihilated the offending clan with a rock slide.<br /> <br /> =Priesthood of the Black Bull=<br /> <br /> The Black Bull Clan draws its members from all the other clans, forming a spiritual family of the priests and shamans of the United Clans. The name of the clan denotes their religious duties, as it is a reference to the practice of conducting animal sacrifices at certain religious ceremonies. It is the Black Bull's mission to ensure that all of the gods get the proper worship due them. While many of the Black Bull's members serve a specific deity or set of deities, there are a group of special priests, called Hramak, whose job it is to keep track of the torturously complex list of goblinoid deities and make sure that none are forgotten.<br /> <br /> Unlike the other clans, a new Chieftain is elected each year by the priests of the clan and serves as High Priest. The outgoing Chieftain cannot be re-elected to the office for a period of ten years. This unique arrangement arose as a compromise to ensure that a priest of a particular deity or pantheon would not dominate the clan's leadership for an inordinate amount of time. The Chieftain's duties are mostly political and ritual, and there are a number of religious ceremonies which can only be performed by the Chieftain. These ceremonies are generally old religious observances which the Black Bull has inherited from former religious functions of other clan Chieftains.<br /> <br /> Many among the Brothers and Sisters of the Bull can wield magic, but it is magic of a very different nature than that of the refined hermetic magic of the Firestorm, or even that of human and elven clerics. Theirs is a very old magic, and still in many ways untamed. This magic does not depend on thick spellbooks or arcane formulae, but rather upon what the caster feels is necessary to invoke the desired effect. This may or may not involve such things as dancing, singing, shouting, complex gestures, self-inflicted injury, or the use of totems and focii. Thus, the same basic spell may manifest in different ways for different casters, and the same spell may even produce slightly different effects each time it is used by the same caster.<br /> <br /> The magical abilities of the priests and shamans of this clan are so individualized that it is impossible to present a general picture of the magic at a 'typical' shaman's disposal. Those challenging a shaman in battle can expect almost anything. The shamanic magic of the Black Bull's holy men and women is often tied to the sphere of influence of their patron deity or deities. The priests of nature gods are most powerful in the wilderness and weakest in cities (except within the confines of a temple), while the priests of war gods find that their magic is at its most potent on the battlefield. Hramak don't suffer such limitations to their powers, but the price of such versatility is that their spells cannot match the power of a specialized priest in his proper sphere of competence. The rather chaotic nature of this form of magic makes it easily possible for shamans to unleash more power than they can safely control, which can obviously prove detrimental to the one that invoked the spell as well as those around him or her.<br /> <br /> =Orcish Mythology=<br /> <br /> In the orcish cosmology as currently set out by the Black Bull, Sek is numbered among the third generation of deities. The creator gods were Urus (the sky) and his opposite Zaram (the earth), who first brought order to the primordial chaos. Though as different as day and night, the two deities found themselves drawn together and from their marriage sprang forth the first creation. This primeval world was supposedly a markedly different place than the world today, and several clans have stories filled with bizarre imagery that illustrate the alien nature of the dawn of time. Eventually, Urus and Zaram fell into a deep sleep, and their children ran amok, nearly destroying the world with their wars. In time, the god Bru'ur defeated his rivals, and forced them to repair the devastation of their conflicts. This created the world as it is now known, for Bru'ur remade the world to his liking, rather than returning it to the way it had formerly been. The days and seasons were regulated, and new plants and animals created to replace those destroyed by the divine wars.<br /> <br /> Sek was the second child of Bru'ur and his consort Hadash, the first of which had been Azdur. Hadash prophesied that Sek would be greater than his father, which drove Azdur into a rage for his mother had not predicted great things for him. He slew his mother and father, and was prepared to do the same to his infant brother when Sek grew to maturity before his eyes. Bathed in his parents' blood, he absorbed his father's strength and courage, and his mother's wisdom and foresight. Sek set upon his brother to avenge the murders, and was wounded several times before he wrested Azdur's great axe Glaneiru from his hands and hacked Azdur to pieces with his own weapon.<br /> <br /> With the death of Bru'ur, the gods begin to bicker among themselves again, though they dared not to make war on each other again. Instead, their mortal creations battled for control of the world. In the wake of his father's demise, Sek had gathered a number of his kinsmen to his side as he tried to reclaim what had been his father's. He watched the mortal races scramble to dominate the world, and decided that he must create his own races so that Bru'ur's legacy would not be forgotten. After careful observation of the other gods' work, he created the goblinoid races and sent them into the world. Though they were forced to inhabit the places that the firstborn races had not already claimed, Sek made them strong and prolific so they would eventually overtake the entire world in Sek's name. <br /> <br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Religion_of_Elvendeep&diff=4616 2013-05-06T00:10:19Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Religion<br /> | name = <br /> | image = <br /> | alt = <br /> | caption = <br /> <br /> | type = Polytheistic<br /> | deity1 = The Celestial Court,<br /> | deity2 = The Chief Spirits<br /> | deity3 = (esp. Nimrilyn),<br /> | deity4 = The Worldly Spirits<br /> | deity5 = (esp. Nimrilyn's Court)<br /> | deity6 =<br /> | regional_origins = Elvendeep<br /> | practiced_in = Elvendeep<br /> | symbol = <br /> }}<br /> <br /> There are three hierarchies of Gods in Elven mythology. First, are the [[Celestial Divinities]], whom the elves believe are all-powerful gods that rule the heavens and are nearly inexplicable in mortal terms, though they resemble gods like [[Menxned]] or [[Alou]]. Second are the [[Chief Spirits]] (e.g. Swan/[[Nimrilyn]], Bear/[[Naenaloss]]), who are charged by the Celestial Divinities with tending to the world, and had a hand in shaping the world and creating the mortal races. The elves believe that aside from themselves and the dragons, few remember or honor these gods as is their due. Third are the [[Worldly Spirits]] who serve the Chief Spirits. The elves believe that the gods of other races have forgotten the [[Celestial Court]] and the Chief Spirits, and worship instead their servants. <br /> <br /> =Deities=<br /> ==The [[Celestial Court]]==<br /> *'''[[Lirentolmo]]''', the cold and austere Wintry King. Associated with the larger moon.<br /> *'''[[Aynaurimo]]''', the bright and shining Summery Queen. Associated with the sun.<br /> *'''[[Caeryemo]]''', The Autumnal Prince. Elder son of the Celestial monarchs and squire to his father. Associated with the lesser moon.<br /> *'''[[Caleimo]]''', The Verdant Princess, Younger daughter Celestial Monarchs and the spirit of the mortal world upon which all life sprung. Called &quot;The World Beneath Us&quot; by the [[Peoples of Elvendeep#Wild Elves|Sorani]].<br /> <br /> ==The [[Chief Spirits]]==<br /> <br /> The Sorani chiefly picture the Great Spirits as totem animals, while [[Peoples of Elvendeep#High Elves|High Elves]] and [[Peoples of Elvendeep#Common Elves|Common Elves]] typically conceive of them as anthropomorphic deities.<br /> <br /> *'''[[Nimrilyn]]''' or Swan, a beautiful and noble goddess: Lady of feathered beasts, Queen of the Skies and first among the bird spirits, the elves' patrons.<br /> *'''[[Naenaloss]]''' or Bear, mighty Lord of furred beasts: the mostly forgotten patron of men, dwarves, and many other races.<br /> *'''[[Sinnesuul]]''' or Serpent, clever and skilled Lord of scaled beasts and God of the dragons, though sometimes known under other names.<br /> *'''[[Maldrathass]]''' or Spider, the Foul Corruptor, goddess of all insects and deep burrowing things<br /> <br /> ===Nimrilyn's Court===<br /> <br /> Though they acknowledge the existence of many varied gods, or 'spirits' in their parlance, the Deepish deem the Bird Spirits their particular patrons.<br /> <br /> *'''Swan (Nimrilyn)''' - Chief amongst all birds. Beauty, grace, goodness.<br /> <br /> Her court:<br /> <br /> *'''Raven ([[Dindelmar]])''', Chief of the Corvidae (Crows, Ravens, Magpies). Storytelling, Language, Cleverness, Trickery<br /> <br /> *'''Eagle ([[Querqurloth]])''', Chief of the Hunting birds (Eagles, Hawks). Nobility, Battle (attack), The Hunt, Speed<br /> <br /> *'''Swallow ([[Cireia]])''', Chieftess of the songbirds (Canaries, Thrushes, Swallows). Music, Delight, Innocence<br /> <br /> *'''Heron ([[Trilane]])''', Chieftess of the water birds (Herons, Gulls, Geese). Travel, Adventure, Bravery<br /> <br /> *'''Owl ([[Galpazryn]])''', Chief of the Nocturnal birds (owls, whippoorwills, nightingales). Wisdom, Watchfulness, Battle (defense)<br /> <br /> =Mythology=<br /> ==The Making of the World==<br /> ''The Making of the World, according to the Spiri City Elves. The Sorani tell a similar version, only [[Lirentolmo]] is referred to as Greater Moon, [[Aynaurimo]] as Sun, [[Caeryemo]] as Lesser Moon and [[Caleimo]] &quot;The World Beneath Us.&quot;''<br /> <br /> Untold eons ago, the cold and austere Lirentolmo, The Wintry King, took the bright and shining Aynaurimo, The Summery Queen for his mate. In all the star-strewn heavens, now, before and forever more, there were none as these two and thus it was only natural that they come together to create all else. From their union sprang first Caeryemo, The Autumnal Prince and squire to his father. Second came Caleimo, the mortal world upon which all life sprung, warmed by her mother's shining face during the day, and her father and brother's colder visages during the night. Infused with her essence of life, the world began to bring forth trees and animals from its very being, but chaos abounded on the mystic planes. The Celestial Divinities, who were busy with their own divine tasks, called forth Spirits from animals to tend the supernatural reverberations of the mortal world, and because further order was needed among the spirits, set four above all: one for the scaled beasts, one for the furred, one for the winged, and one for those insects which thrived upon death.<br /> <br /> ==The Making of the Races==<br /> ''As told by the Sorani Wild Elves. The Spiri tell a very similar tale, only in their conception the spirits are not animal totems, but anthropomorphic deities.''<br /> <br /> Three Spirits collected in a clearing in a young forest that would come to be known as the [[Soranion]]. The first was Swan, the second Serpent, and the third Bear. All were of a goodly nature, though possessing many different qualities, and each desired to create a race of new beings to populate the lands, to live under the bright sun and twin moons, and love and tend the world which had given them all birth.<br /> <br /> First, Swan created the [[Elves]], full of beauty and grace and possessing a form unlike any beast that lived. The Elves were wise, like their creator, and were filled with love for all that was good and aesthetically pleasing. They were light and airy and looked to the sky with kinship.<br /> <br /> To them, Serpent gave the ability to sense and work with the magics that flowed through the world. Magic was not strictly his domain, but he was better at understanding it than all other gods.<br /> <br /> To them, Bear gave the ability to carry and birth live children, the act of which gave the Dawn Elves a strong link to the earth and beasts of the forest, though they had been created from the skies.<br /> <br /> Second, Serpent created the [[Dragons]], both fierce and intelligent. The Ere-Drakes were beautiful and deadly in the same way fire was. They were adept at the workings of magic, just as their creator was. But they could often be fickle, like he, and disliked large groups, preferring solitude.<br /> <br /> To them, Swan gifted wings so they could sail in the skies she ruled. They had no feathers, but Swan stretched out their third set of limbs and shaped them into broad sails, like those of a bat.<br /> <br /> To them, Bear gave great size and sharp teeth and claws to make them powerful enough to face any evil. The land in those days was wild and primeval and beset with many dangers and devilry. Besides which, Bear was of the firm opinion that large size and sharp claws were the finest of attributes.<br /> <br /> Thirdly, Bear created the [[Giants]], huge and strong, able to do whatever they wished with the land around them, though not always very bright and quick to temper. But in his excitement to create the most powerful, largest creature of the three, Bear had forgotten both utility and beauty, and Swan and Serpent tried to rectify his mistake as best they could.<br /> <br /> To them, Serpent gave the knowledge of fire and its workings. Though they could not create it by magic, as could dragons and elves, giants alone knew how to draw it forth through natural means, and how to feed it regularly to keep it bright and warm.<br /> <br /> To them, Swan gave beauty in form, similar to the elves, so that the giants would grace the world rather than just trample it.<br /> <br /> All three races, known in the elves' tales as the [[Dawn Elves]], the [[Ere-Drakes]], and the [[Primordial Giants]], were set loose upon the earth. But none were then as wise as they are now, and knew nothing of writing, smithing, or cities. They wandered from place to place as food was available, used stone tools and though they gave their thanks up to the gods and to the sun and moons, they were primitive and lived almost like beasts.<br /> <br /> Bear, who was not as bright as his fellows, was jealous of the Ere-Drakes and the Dawn Elves, who lived for millennia. His own creations, while vastly powerful, would only live for a dozen or so years. Upon the death (usually of old age) of one of these great giants, his body would be laid out attired in the finest of his trappings and his most prized possessions would be laid around him. His clan would then heave the earth up and about him forming his death mound. It was thus that most of the inland mountains were created, steeped with the treasures of a time long forgotten - for before mountains covered the earth, gems and precious things were laid bare to whomever wished to take them, and the giants found their glittering appealing. It is also from this practice that the ancient name of [[Outer Arangoth]], '[[Caern]]' (also Kayern) comes, for the area is surrounded by the death-mounds, or cairns, of the Primordial Giants, who have now disappeared. Many current sages believe the Primordial Giants to be the eldest and most ancient of peoples, but elves know this misconception is just because they were the largest and thus left the most obvious testament to their existence. Many beings, especially the giants' cousins, the [[Dwarves|dwarves]], still search for the fabled 'finest of trappings’ and treasures at the hearts of mountains.<br /> <br /> Bear’s jealousy sparked anger, for he had thought that Swan or Serpent would have gifted his creations with the secret of long life. They protested that neither had given each other's children such gifts, but had created the quality innately. Besides which, they had given the giants very good qualities and abilities, and it was not up to the receiver to decide what gift the giver would award him. (This is where the Deepish expression 'Ursine Gifts,' for those which are under-appreciated, comes from). If Bear was to have long-lived children, he would have to give them such a quality himself.<br /> <br /> Bear spent the next few millennia attempting just such a creation. From his labors sprang lesser giants (those relatively small specimens that survive today), humans (of many varieties, including the tailed [[Leturians]] and the shortlived [[Mingits]]), Dwarves, [[Halflings]] and other similar races. He happily found that one of those made, dwarves, would live over a century (though they still could not match Elves and Dragons). This longevity, he thought, was perhaps because he had carved them from stone rather than clay like the others, but also perhaps because they were among his smallest. Because jealousy and not nobility was in his heart when he made the younger races, they sprang forth with much chaos in their souls and none of the tranquility of their elders. Still, Bear was not evil, and his creations were not innately such either.<br /> <br /> But there was evil in the world, and Spider was one such. She coveted creations of her own and was jealous that the lighter Spirits had left her out of their race-making. All things that she tried to make, however, were ugly and misshapen like her soul and like the creatures she ruled (these foul new monsters would plague the world in years to come). None were remotely as beautiful as the elves. Finally fed up with her own lack of artistry, she kidnapped some Dawn Elves for herself and twisted them into her children. As she was Queen of carrion insects and those things that burrow beneath the earth, the [[Elves#Dark Elves|Dark Elves]] (as they were called) took to the subterranean realms and there their evil festered and consumed them until their souls were as ugly as their exteriors were beautiful. Lies were their language and murder their pastime. When the Dawn Elves learned of Spider's sins, they vowed to stamp out all evidence of the sacrilege. As the Dark Elves had taken a similar oath against their forebears, the two branches of elfkind have been at war as long as elvish memory and myth can tell.<br /> <br /> There was unintentional evil afoot, as well. For one night during his long years of race-making, Bear had eaten his fill of fermented honey and became quite inebriated. When he awoke quite sick the next morning, he found to his horror that he had created the ugliest and filthiest of creatures: the [[Goblins]]. Filled with shame and disgust, he tossed the foul creatures to the refuse heap. But the evil that was the goblin race would not easily die, and they crawled out of the muck and dung into the mortal world. There they begat [[Orcs]], [[Ogres]] and all the goblinoid races that would plague good folk with their chaotic love for destruction.<br /> <br /> Though by this point, hundreds of millennia in the past, most of the races were created, they were mostly savage and little more than animals. They had survived like this for uncounted years. Even the dragons were less then what they are today in wisdom, though greater in power and size. Dawn Elves, though less powerful than the other two Elder races, were the cleverest of all.<br /> <br /> Over time the elves gathered in a sacred woodland realm called the Soranion and created a civilization. The First City was built at the forest's heart and the elves there learned the art of bronzework, writing on stone and clay, and the wheel. They used their magic to tend orchards in a concerted effort to feed all, and were ruled by an elf they thought the best of them, whom legend simply calls [[The ElfKing]]. Those who were left of the waning Primordial giants learned many things from them, as did the Dragons who, though intelligent and magic-using, had no system of writing with which to record their spells and histories.<br /> <br /> Elves and Dragons would go on to experiment with magic as their powers and skills grew. Charting new territory, mistakes were tragically made. Dark magics destroyed at least two elven civilizations, on the [[Isles of Myst]] and in [[Elgar Forest]]. During the Dragon-Elf wars, huge losses of life on both sides, as well as the desire for an advantage, would prompt the first attempts at necromancy - each attempt twisting into evil and soulless abomination. Demonic conjury began, but was beyond any Elder race's control and spread to irresponsible magi.<br /> <br /> Magic did not always result in evil, however. Many pockets of Dawn Elf and Ere-Drake magic pooled in places, like dew collecting into puddles. Here strange things occurred, both wonderful and terrible. Trees awakened into living beings, butterflies metamorphosed into fairies, animals mutated into monstrous abominations, and dark forces tore through the boundaries of the planes. Any creatures not created by the Four Spirits are generally attributed to these pools of magic. As well, elves believe that many of the mysterious ruins of past civilizations are elvish demarcations of these pools, such as the Sacred Stones of [[Aslar]].<br /> <br /> =Clergy=<br /> As elven magic makes no distinction between sorcerous and divine, there are no native ‘clerics’ in the human sense among the Deepish (there are some who are recent arrivals from far-flung elven communities). Instead, Elven Clergy are divided into four parts: Shamans, Curates, Prelates, and Presbyters.<br /> <br /> *'''Shamans''' are the religious figures of the Sorani, and perform the duties associated with the Spiri Priests, only on a smaller scale among their local tribes.<br /> <br /> *'''Curate''' is a voluntary position, run much like the Knightly Orders found below. Young Elflords are taken on as the most numerous of the Clergy. It is their duty to help organize religious festivals, edit and copy religious manuscripts, and maintain the Libraries and Temples of Elfspire. They also spend a great deal of time studying the religious texts and once reaching a certain level, may advise elves on spiritual matters and perform burials (cremation, followed by the ashes being scattered half upon the earth and half upon the river, with the more intangible ‘third part’ being the smoke rising to the skies) and weddings. The position is typically held for a period of thirty years.<br /> <br /> *'''Prelate''' is an inherited title, and the fifty or so positions available are passed from individual to individual within the same High Elven House, or extended family. It is the family's purview to select one of their number for the position, though the candidate must possess the Curate's medallion. As the Prelates sit on the Low Council, this presents an interesting choice. If a House chooses a House Head to represent them on that body, and a different Prelate, it receives two seats on the Low Council. If it makes its House Head the family Prelate, that figure has much added dignity and weight, and is much more likely to be voted into the High Council or a Presbytership. Prelates are responsible for observing the omens sent by the Spirits, authoring short essays upon spiritual matters and making them available to the public, and overseeing the Curates in their city district or outlying village. The length of a Prelateship is entirely dependant upon the whims of that Elven House to which it belongs.<br /> <br /> *Elven '''Presbyters''', of which there are twelve, are elected from ranks of the Prelates by the High Elves during the national elections every fifteen years. They not only sit at the Low Council, but their head, the [[Lord Exarch]], is an adjunct member of the High Council. They write treatises on the nature of the Spirit Realm and the Celestial Divinities, preside over religious festivals and advise the Councilors and Governor on religious matters.<br /> <br /> =Attitudes toward other religions=<br /> <br /> Despite their reputation for tolerance, the folk of Elvendeep are quite biased against [[Lilism]]. As that religion is the dominant among two of Nimmarna’s ancient enemies, the [[Leturians]] and the [[Griffons]], this is not surprising. In addition, the elves consider their way of living the result of eons of tradition, while the [[Lil]] focuses instead on the advice of [[Vallarians]] from barely 1500 years ago. In fact, it is common for the Deepish to refer to Lilists as ‘Upstart book worshipers.’ This distaste for the followers of the Lil often strains relations with the [[Mikeul]], elves of [[Keulenestra]] who have adopted that religion, as well as the [[Leturian]] language.<br /> <br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Pangui_Religion&diff=4615 2013-05-06T00:10:04Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Religion<br /> | name = Pangui Religion<br /> | image = <br /> | alt = <br /> | caption = <br /> <br /> | type = <br /> | deity1 = The Celestial Dragons,<br /> | deity2 = The Beast Gods (among the Odan)<br /> | deity3 =<br /> | deity4 =<br /> | deity5 =<br /> | deity6 =<br /> | regional_origins = Panguro<br /> | practiced_in = Panguro<br /> | symbol = <br /> }}<br /> <br /> =The Celestial Dragons=<br /> The Three Nations and the Saku Irniqui share a worship of deities they call the Celestial Dragons. These are oriental serpentine dragons who inhabit the Heavens and are associated with the stars in the night sky. Valuing order and honour, this heavenly race watches the descendants of the Ni-So-Gui, their chosen people, and relates their wishes through the stars and constellations. Some Nipangui believe that each star is itself a far off dragon. Others believe the stars are sunlight glinting off their seldom moving forms. The sun and moons are universal constants, like the earth, and have always existed.<br /> <br /> The immortal dragons, which are not animals but gods, may not come to earth in body as long as it is a chaotic place, but they may send their messages and bestow powers upon humans, elves, and halflings. The patronage of these dragons is expected to be returned by ordering the world, bringing it to such a heavenly state that the dragons might come down and the world might be a paradise with all good peoples happy and everlasting. It is believed that there are many worlds, each with a sun and two moons like ours, which have undergone or are undergoing this passage.<br /> <br /> =Belief System=<br /> <br /> ==Reincarnation==<br /> The Nipangui and their cultural fellows also believe in reincarnation. No man’s journey on ‘the wheel’ will truly be complete until the world is entirely wild and chaotic, or ordered and civilized. The deeds one does in life determines in what form he will return in his next. In this way, goodly men who order the land are reborn again and again to do the same, while evil men who foment chaos are dispensed with as they become lower life forms and eventually become the tools of demons, who are identified with wild animal spirits. Demons hate order and heavenliness and would like nothing more than to return the earth to its primordial state.<br /> <br /> A goodly life is rewarded with longer life in the next, and longevity and good health are honoured highly and prayed for by all. The longer one lives, the more heavenly one’s spirit is considered. Longevity is considered such a heavenly thing to the dragon-worshippers because the dragons are immortal, and anything similarly long-lived is closer to them. Thus elvish long-life is revered as a sign of their superiority, and even elderly humans are much revered. In Saku Irniq, the eldest are asked to lead as long as they are in good health. Because of this medicines and luck charms are immensely important to the Nisogui descendants and a thriving industry in both the real and false varieties have developed.<br /> <br /> ==Order in Nature==<br /> Untamed nature is where the Nipangui idea of ‘demons’ and evil is centered. A demon will almost always take the form of an animal to mortal eyes. Nature is only safe when it is domesticated, tilled, and ordered – when it is made more ‘heavenly.’ Nipangui will make sure to keep their gardens well kept and neat. Aristocrats often have gardens that are extraordinarily elaborate and beautiful to display their dedication to heavenliness.<br /> <br /> ==Astrology==<br /> Astrology is a very important pursuit in religious life, as it is the one way of determining the dragons’ will. Most Nipangui have some sense of evil and good portents in the sky, but it is the Priestly orders that excel in astrological divination. This augury may determine everything from personality traits and lifelines of people based on their birthdays and astral phenomena, to the most important: Imperial Divination – in which the date is found upon which the Emperor (of whichever country) has been born upon. Extensive birth registers for elves are then consulted, and that elf whose birthday has been divined is elevated to the Imperial throne.<br /> <br /> ==Monks==<br /> Religious devotees of the Three Nations are known as Monks. These shaven-headed religious disciples, which may be men or women (more accurately Nuns), are bound permanently to their local chapel or temple. Once enrolled in a Temple, the orange-robed monk may never leave without rare permission from high-ranking Abbots.<br /> <br /> Men and women may inhabit the same temple on occasion, but are separated into different living quarters and without special dispensation (mostly for elves or lone sons) sexual encounters are forbidden.<br /> <br /> Larger temples, usually located high up in the mountains (closer to the night sky) are run by Abbotts and occasionally Abbesses – the most revered being elves. Elves often attend temples for their education, in which they are usually instructed by an Elvish mentor of the same sex. Some choose to remain and live the simple life of a monk, and such a disciple is a great mark of honour for the temple.<br /> <br /> It is an even greater mark of honour for a temple to have a ‘Sidereal Prophet’ or ‘Speaker of the Dragon Tongue.’ This is an elf who receives oracular visions from the Celestial Dragons and spends his or her life in confinement, the visions they receive being recorded by their fellow monks. These recordings are studied to gain greater enlightenment, and on certain occasions the Speakers will divine answers to specific questions when asked.<br /> <br /> Over Panguro’s history, the Priests of the Celestial Dragons have stayed confined in their roles as teachers, and refrained for the most part from political maneuvering. This is mainly attributed to their restrictive rules pertaining to monks and nuns being bound to their monastery – unlike the roaming Gardeners. In addition, the clergy has split from their fellows in each division of the former Nisogui empire, resulting in three different orthodoxies for each of the three central nations. Most have only superficial differences, but are securely tied to national rather than continental interests.<br /> <br /> There are various ‘orders’ of monks, each following certain strains of philosophy. Some believe in enlightenment and salvation through focusing on physical perfection and teach the most elaborate and skillful martial arts to their followers. Others focus on the mind, advocating contemplation and mental discipline. This is not to say ‘Body’ monks do not meditate and contemplate, or the reverse, only that they differ in the amount of focus they give certain aspects. Orders will often choose various middle paths as well. <br /> <br /> =Other Information=<br /> <br /> ==The Saku Irinq==<br /> <br /> The Saku Irniqui religion places even more emphasis upon astrology and the constellations, not surprising since these are often the only way to navigate in the monocoloured northern wastes. They also have a similar concept of honor and tradition, but much more relaxed and merry than the other cultures. <br /> <br /> Captains of the trading parties are a special class of halfling possessing powers and station similar to paladins of the west. These Captains are titled ‘Walkers of the Path’ (just as Shamans, their tutors are called ‘Finders of the Path’). Although most Saku Irniqui can read the stars for direction purposes, ‘Walkers’ are the undisputed masters of astrological navigation. Without the indispensable paladins, sledge-ship parties can easily get lost in the trackless, endless white of the northern icefields. Their abilities in battle and the power to detect lies further make them the perfect Trading Captains. On those occasions when the halflings must war on other peoples or track down menaces, ‘Walkers’ are often the leaders. Besides the respect for their abilities and opinions, however, these captains hold no innate authority or temporal power.<br /> <br /> The Irniqui paladins are marked out by three features. First, their facemasks are expertly carved to resemble closely their actual face – unlike the nearly featureless masks of other crewmembers. Secondly, recognizing their role as principle warriors, their parkas are equipped with certain Nipangui-like armour shingles and instead of a simple parka hood they wear a fur-lined helmet. Thirdly, they are more likely to have a weapon meant strictly for battle (unlike knives and harpoons) than an average halfling, including wakizashi, shortened yari, and western steel spears bought from their trading partners.<br /> <br /> ==Odan Religion==<br /> <br /> Tribes are divided along the lines of which animal totem they worship. The Odan religion is polytheistic, but an Odan ‘nation,’ which might consist of several tribes or villages spread out over a certain territory, owes its allegiance to one animal god, which is represented by all earthly animals of that species. The Raven tribe, for instance, considers all ravens earthly aspects of its totemic protector god.<br /> <br /> Worship and prayer is also not restricted according to tribe. While their protector deity is worshipped the most devoutly and most often, an Odan tribesman faced with a situation requiring the skills or province of a specific animal is free to pray to that animal. Woodsmen from the Snake tribe, for instance, might sing a song to Beaver while felling a particularly strong tree. A Frog tribe warrior might beseech Tiger for strength in battle. Monkey is considered shrewd and clever, Frog wise, etc.<br /> <br /> The most bizarre aspect of Odan society is that their worship of these totems also allows them to take on physical traits of that particular animal through a religious ritual that, among other things, involves blotting out the light of the stars, sun, and moons. This is performed using spells of inky black fog, but lacking such, clouds or even tarps will suffice. Once the ritual is performed, each tribal warrior undergoes a lycanthropic transformation into a bestial form. It is not known how long this form lasts, but it is maintained even if the tribesmen are exposed to celestial light once more. It is only the ritual, not the form, which must be done out of the ‘sight of the dragons.’ Also unknown is how often the rites and subsequent transformations are performed. Seldom does one see an Odan war group that has not taken on their terrifying animal forms, but it is known that the rites are not just for war, but also for festivals and days of religious significance. It has also been noted that the more complete the darkness, the more bestial and more powerful the tribesmen become. For example, a tribe transformed under a tarp would stand little chance against a tribe transformed on an overcast night.<br /> <br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=The_Thousand_Gods&diff=4612 2013-05-06T00:09:13Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Religion<br /> | name = The Thousand Gods<br /> | image = <br /> | alt = <br /> | caption = <br /> <br /> | type = Polytheistic<br /> | deity1 = <br /> | deity2 = <br /> | deity3 =<br /> | deity4 =<br /> | deity5 =<br /> | deity6 =<br /> | regional_origins = [[Mwayambi]]<br /> | practiced_in = Mwayambi<br /> | symbol = <br /> }}<br /> <br /> =Belief System=<br /> <br /> Almost unanimously, the nations of Mwayambi worship ''races'' of Gods rather than individuals. The Bakbé call this race the Murowé, and its plane of existence '''Mu'''. The Berjeron call them simply The Thousand Gods and the Heavens.<br /> <br /> They liken the relationship of these gods to mankind similar to that between the smallest of insects and mankind. The Murowé are aware of mankind, and may choose to help or hinder them according to their own disposition or the intercession of the clergy. Mankind may only catch vague glimpses of the Murowé at work, as a gnat could scarcely comprehend the hand that squashes him, let alone its wielder.<br /> <br /> The clergy differs from insects, of course, in that it may communicate with the gods through its prayers and rituals, invite certain actions of the gods, should they wish to intervene, and call upon divine spells. The intercession of the Gods is vital in a relatively harsh land where sorcery is so rare.<br /> <br /> ==The Berjeron==<br /> <br /> The Berjeron believe that all other gods of all other peoples: Pallodain, [[Menxism|Menxvan]], Alou, etc, are simply those of the Thousand Gods who have identified themselves to mankind and intervened individually for their own reasons. Thus, whenever a new god is encountered, it is enthusiastically studied and reported to their capital, where the Temple of A Thousand Gods enters their name and likeness onto its lists for appropriate (if occasionally modified) veneration. Thus, some other nations are reluctant to attack the Berjeron, as they, in a way, worship the same gods. It may displease said god if one were to attack a temple wherein its image is graven. Gods from monotheistic cultures are simply referred to as ''Jealous Gods''. The [[Aslar|Aslarians]] are looked upon as sharing the Berjeron religion.<br /> <br /> ==The Kadut==<br /> <br /> The Kadut believe that the Murowé can be divided into three groups: The Nadut sky gods, the Gyasut earth gods, and the supreme Badrut who mediate between them. The dwarf-like Badrut represent fertility, honour and goodness and are the patrons of the dwarves. It was they who, it is believed, diminished the dwarves, their chosen people, in size and lengthened their life spans so as to be more godlike than their human ancestors and cousins.<br /> <br /> =Mythology=<br /> <br /> The teleology of Mwayambi is fairly uniform among the three known nations. The gods have always existed, while the world has not. While the Murowé (or Thousand Gods, etc) males fashioned the earth, sun and moons, the females fashioned three eggs.<br /> <br /> Out of the first hatched a multitude of insect-featured demons to spread evil and chaos across the land. Out of the second came the neutral Kelelé, near-mythical beings who could be mischievous and fickle, yet provide a boon to mankind as well. The contents of the third were meant to be a goodly race of peaceful beings to balance the world, but were stolen and corrupted by the demons, and taken under ground and far away. The lost &quot;Third Race&quot; are now forgotten by all lore save that of the Gods, Kelelé, and demons themselves.<br /> <br /> Unhappy, the Murowé drove the demons onto other planes of existence to make the world safe for their new, fourth egg, that which begat mankind. Those demons that managed to avoid the Murowé devolved themselves into simpler monsters and unnatural beasts. Some of the more clever even hid as concepts (such as matricide), symbols (the pentacle) and magical spells. It is a demon, thought of as an infestation within the flow of divine magic, that is used to raise a body from the dead. The corpse is infected with the unconscious essence of a demon, like a rotting tree. This essence manifests itself as red maggots, worms, cockroaches or another form of insect, inhabiting the body under the skin.<br /> <br /> Hidden essences of demons are also bound into the Eldritch Masks, allowing the use of sorcerous magic. Demons were always bound to the sorcerous magic flowing throughout the earth, which may explain why the undead crave sorcerous energies.<br /> <br /> =The Kelelé=<br /> <br /> The Kelelé are often called the &quot;Hidden People&quot; and likened to fey and other spirits by Southerners. The females are small and gnome-like while the males are human-sized and piercingly beautiful to look at. Neither gender has eyes in their faces, but instead have them upon their fingers and toes, twenty in all. The males paint eyes on their blank foreheads and like to entice wayward human women into their oases, caves or glades. The next morning, these women are turned into jewelry to appease the jealous female Kelelé, or may escape pregnant. When they lay an egg instead of give birth to a human child, it is clear to all what has occurred and the egg must be left at a sacred place to hatch more Kelelé. <br /> <br /> =Other Information=<br /> <br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Menxism&diff=4608 2013-05-06T00:07:35Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox<br /> |title = Menxism<br /> <br /> |image = [[image:Menxruk.jpg|200px]]<br /> |headerstyle = background:#C3C3C3;<br /> |labelstyle = background:#DEDEDE;<br /> <br /> |header5 = Religion Information<br /> |label6 = Type<br /> |data6 = Monotheistic (largely)<br /> |label8 = Deity(ies) Worshipped<br /> |data8 = Menxvan, [[Guardians of Menxruk|Menxruk]]<br /> |label9 = Regional Origins<br /> |data9 = Unknown<br /> |label10 = Symbol<br /> |data10 = Various<br /> }}<br /> <br /> In the beginning there was only Menxned (All-One). There was no universe as we understand it, since the universe is many, and there was only the One. Menxned was the highest form of being, omniscient, omnipotent, infinite, perfect in unity and simplicity. All things were in it, and all things came from it. As simply as it can be put in terms of mortal understanding, Menxned WAS. Menxned was the purest form of existence, freed of any of the limitations of finite beings.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> At a point in the distant past, Menxned divided into [[Menxvan]] (All-Good) and [[Menxruk]] (All-Evil). The entire universe arose from this division, the Many sprung forth from the One, the complex from the simple, the opposed from the unified. No one knows for sure precisely why this happened, but it is believed that Menxned became bored after eons of of a solitary, static existence, and the tripartite division of Menxned into Menxvan, Menxruk, and the universe occurred because of a desire for something different.<br /> <br /> Menxvan and Menxruk are opposed to each other in all things, and have contended with one another since their first moments of existence. In fact, the creation of life stemmed from a desire for someone to settle one of their quarrels. Menxvan and Menxruk are equal in strength, and try as they might, neither can defeat the other. That is why mortals are of such importance to them. Their actions can tip the balance in favor of one or the other. Neither deity can be totally defeated, nor can either of them be destroyed. However, one can gain the upper hand temporarily (whether for minutes, hours, days, months, even years) through the actions of their followers. It is a tenet of both Menxvanic and Menxrukic philosophy that even a single person taking the appropriate action at the appropriate time can shift the balance toward one deity or the other.<br /> <br /> Followers of Menxvan believe that the best way to shift the balance in the favor of the good is to do good deeds whenever possible, and to encourage one's fellows to do good as well. Certain extreme Menxvanic sects have interpreted this philosophical tenet as a divine mandate for rabid evangelization, but such sects generally do not remain in existence for very long. The majority of Menxvanists are strongly opposed to forced religious conversions.<br /> <br /> Menxruk, of course, takes a different approach to trying to tilt the contest in his favor. Among his favorite tactics are sending plagues and natural disasters to destroy groups of Menxvanists; sending his followers to infiltrate and corrupt groups and organizations, subtly working to turn them toward the dark paths; and heaping misfortunes upon followers of Menxvan to try to get them to renounce their faith. Menxvan, for his part, is able to prevent or minimize much of the harm that Menxruk attempts, though not all of it. Similarly, Menxruk can not take away all the blessings that Menxvan bestows on his followers.<br /> <br /> Menxvan and Menxruk will never settle their contest with one another, but they will tire of it eventually. In the end, Menxvan and Menxruk will reunite, and the universe as we know it will cease to exist as Menxned is reborn, and all things become One once again.<br /> <br /> While Menxvan and Menxruk are opposed in all things, their dominion overlaps in many places. The Cosmos is not simply divided up between them; most things have a dual nature and are shared by both. Each deity has their preferences: Menxvan prefers light while Menxruk prefers darkness, Menxvan prefers order while Menxruk prefers chaos, etc. This is not to say that Menxvan is the god of light, or that Menxruk is the god of chaos. Many things can be good or evil, helpful or harmful, and this is why both gods have such wide spheres of influence. Fire can provide warmth and light, as well as cause death and destruction. Laws can protect the people, or oppress them. As stated before, many things are without an inherent inclination toward good or evil, and the intent behind a particular action or event is what places it under a particular god's dominion. The only things that can be placed directly under either god's dominion are certain abstract concepts. For example, Menxvan is associated with good, purity, justice, virtue, etc; Menxruk is associated with evil, corruption, injustice, vice, etc.<br /> <br /> Male terminology is frequently used for referring to Menxvan and Menxruk, a custom dating back to some of the earliest stories about Menxvan and Menxruk. These tales comes from Menxism's roots as a primitive, tribal folk religion that portrayed both deities as anthropomorphic beings (essentially, very powerful humans). Current thought holds that both deities are sexless entities, or at least have no sex in the sense that mortals do. Menxned was all things, and Menxvan and Menxruk came forth from Menxned. Both deities contain elements of both the masculine and the feminine, and have manifested themselves as either sex as need or desire suited them. Interestingly, Menxvan is almost exclusively referred to as feminine in devotions that deal with fertility and agriculture among certain rural Menxvanic sects.<br /> <br /> In general, people pray to Menxvan to bring good things, and to Menxruk to avoid misfortune, or to bring misfortune on someone else. Menxruk is not shunned, but rather given a certain respect even by the most devout Menxvanists. Evil has its place in the cosmic order, even if one does not wish it to dominate, and Menxruk is given at least some minor devotion to placate him and try to convince him not to send misfortune. This does not mean, however, that followers of Menxvan are passive toward evil, or particularly tolerant toward servants of evil gods. In many mythoi, gods of evil can not create, merely pervert and twist what already exists to serve their purposes. This is not true of Menxruk. While he prefers destruction to creation, he is more than capable of creating when he feels the desire to do so. Similarly, Menxvan is capable of destruction, but simply chooses not to do harm.<br /> <br /> Menxvan and Menxruk are both quite tolerant of other faiths, as far as deities go, and this extends down to the clergy and followers of both deities. The theory behind this is that anyone that does good helps Menxvan, while anyone that does evil helps Menxruk. The only followers of foreign deities that are not welcome are followers of neutral gods that seek balance in all things (as such individuals would work to bring the contest to a stalemate), and militant faiths that are hostile toward other religions. Menxruk has even gone so far as to impersonate other deities in the past to gain the devotion of certain powerful followers of evil deities from other worlds. It should be noted, however, that certain extreme sects (such as the now-defunct Cult of the Silver Flame) are militantly opposed to foreigners and foreign deities, but these people represent a small minority.<br /> (Note: The various sects of Menxvanism are open to further development, as are more detailed explanations of religious beliefs and practices, as well as further stories for the religious mythology.)<br /> <br /> =Fate= <br /> <br /> A belief in an absolute fate or destiny would presuppose the existence of another divine entity or agency, or would presuppose a pre-agreement between Menxvan and Menxruk over the fate of a particular mortal. Rather, both branches of Menxism have a philosophy of self-determination, that one makes one's own fate to a degree. No child is born inherently good or evil, but rather, their upbringing and their own actions determine who they will be. This is not to say that all things are under the control of the person. It is freely acknowledged that there are many things beyond the control of mortals, but it is everyone's lot in life to make the most of what they have. Many people do, however, believe in the existence of a limited sort of fate, and intercede with Menxvan to alter fate. Left as they are, things will resolve themselves in a certain way. The outcome of things under these circumstances is perceived as &quot;fate.&quot; Intercession with higher powers might bring them to act on one's behalf, or show one how to alter one's own fate.<br /> <br /> =The Afterlife= <br /> <br /> In all, there are ten levels of existence to the universe. All non-divine beings begin life as mortals in the first level, the world of the living. The other nine levels are known collectively as the other world, or the afterlife. Death is the passing from the mortal realms into eternity. To a Menxvanist, life truly is a first, temporary stage of a much longer journey. The afterlife is sometimes colloquially referred to as the nine heavens or the nine hells, though both names are something of a mistranslation of the concept. The Arangothian language does not have separate words for heaven and hell, only degdrelth, the 'other-world.' Mortals know very little about most of these. The first, and lowest, is the Dreamworld, which mortals visit when they are dreaming. It is to this world that mortal spirits first gravitate when they have died in the living world. This is why one can meet the recently deceased in dreams.<br /> <br /> Once there, perhaps, spirits can see (in something similar to &quot;dreaming&quot; here) into the second, next-highest level of the other world. One way in which the first heaven is different from earth is that the forces of Menxvan and Menxruk are physically disparate there, having resolved into something like two vast empires. Thus a person might, indeed, end up in one or another &quot;region&quot; of the Dreamworld. This might also be associated with the difference between dreams and nightmares, and between dreams that correctly predict the future, and those that deceive. People &quot;die&quot; in the first heaven as well, and pass on into subsequent heavens, but little is known about these. Dying is admittedly a rather inaccurate analogy, but the process does involve a passing from one state of existence, and the beginning of a new existence on a new plane. It is not known precisely what is involved in this process of transcendence, but it apparently has something to do with strength of character and devotion to one's deity. Few living mortals ever catch a glimpse into the higher heavens, and those that do often can not comprehend what they see. A &quot;holy&quot; person in the world of the living is perhaps one of those who is believed to be able to dream while still living into the higher heavens, enabling contact with powerful beings and some degree of ability to foretell things to come. Each plane or level of the other world increases in proximity to one's deity, and becomes increasingly dissimilar to the world of the living. In the ninth and highest level of the other world reside very powerful beings that have advanced that high; each ascent presumably brings greater powers over the lower heavens and the mortal world. The ninth heaven/hell brings mortals into the closest proximity to the deities possible. They can communicate with Menxvan or Menxruk &quot;face-to-face,&quot; as we talk among ourselves.<br /> <br /> Certain beings that have ascended to the upper levels of the other world maintain an active interest in the affairs of mortals in the world of the living, doing what they can to help the followers of their particular deity. These figures are sometimes mistakenly referred to as demigods, or even minor deities by those unfamiliar with the tenets of Menxism, though neither description is entirely accurate. They are simply figures with a closer proximity to Mexvan or Menxruk, who intercede between mortals and the deities.<br /> <br /> One of the most widely known of such benevolent intercessor figures is Gigsin, the founder of a sect of Menxvanism widely followed in Hornath-ul-Marfed and the surrounding area. She was a Menxvanic priestess in the days after the [[Igmerinds]] subjugated the less sophisticated [[Goxal]]. Renowned for her great beauty, she was forced to marry the Igmerind ruler, the Sithire Kengail, against her will. She was also known for her formidable intellect, and became the first great Menxvanic theologian. She made the best of her situation, using her position as the Sithire's wife to aid the poor, and convert the conquering Igmerinds to the Goxal religion. In the end, Kengail died without an heir, a punishment said to be visited upon him by Menxvan for his impiety. The spot where Gigsin's house used to stand in Hornath-ul-Marfed is now a shrine with several dedicated Menxvanic priestesses who entreat her to bring the deity's favor upon the city and its people. [This has featured subtly in the Arlok storyline.]<br /> <br /> Gigsin is by no means the only such figure, and other powerful beings are known to have an interest in the mortal realm. Another is Naarundil, who is said to have encouraged the formation of the Templars of Menxvan and taught the Templar disciplines to Metrarin. Stories portray Naarundil as a wandering hero, turning up in unexpectedly to work mighty deeds and protect Menxvan's faithful, and then leaving as suddenly as he came. Lartha (sometimes called Larfa) is traditionally said to be Menxvan's personal bard and the greatest incarnation of poetic virtuosity. Inora the Snake Maiden is said to have revealed the arts of medicine and healing magics to mortals. Much to the annoyance of Father [[Kylus Dragonsbane]], many Menxvanic theologians consider Pallodain one of these entities in Menxvan's service.<br /> <br /> Among Menxruk's most infamous servants is Kolpetir the Faithless, who raises up servants for Menxruk in the lower worlds and grants them various powers in Menxruk's name, only to abandon them whenever doing so will cause them the greatest harm. The name Galgroth the Witherer is particularly feared, an entity who delights in plagues and famines above all else. When he chooses to manifest himself visibly, he has the appearance of a corpse writhing with maggots that spread disease wherever they fall.<br /> <br /> Menxvanic teaching holds that Menxvan and Menxruk are transendent beings, and mortal minds are not capable of comprehending direct communication with the deities. Thus, they communicate with their mortal followers through these powerful servants. Many followers of Menxruk believe that this is nonsense, but the the fact that there are often multiple individuals claiming to be Menxruk's high priest or chosen champion may indicate that Menxruk's servants are either pretending to be the All-Evil when interacting with mortals, or are pursuing their own agendas using Menxruk's name. Regardless of the source of this confusion, Menxruk seems to at least tolerate it, or may even encourage this division to weed out weak followers.<br /> <br /> =Worship of Menxvan and Menxruk= <br /> <br /> The structure and hierarchy of organized Menxvan worship is open to development. Perhaps it is governed by a council of the leaders of the largest sects in the kingdom. (Or perhaps it isn't. This is something that will need to be worked out in the future.) As both deities have such wide spheres of influence, there are a variety of Menxvanic and Menxrukic sects, and a wide variety of worship. (This has a lot of potential here for player innovation.) Menxvan worship in rural areas tends to focus more on nature and fertility aspects due to importance of agriculture. In contrast, Menxvanic worship in urban areas tends to be more philosphical and intellectual, overall more complex than many of the folkish rural sects. The varying sects can take widely different philosophies and approaches toward the same subject. For example, on the subject of warfare, sects can vary in philosophy from militaristic to pacifistic, or any stance in between.<br /> <br /> In the absence of any authoritative &quot;sacred writ&quot; of the Menxvanic faith, the poetic work ''[[Dream of the Nine Otherworlds|Mintrat ul Pinquo Degdrelthoss]]'' (Dream of the Nine Otherworlds) has often been considered the closest thing to this. Note that this account is not accepted by all followers of Menxvan or Menxruk, but that it is widely referred to as an authority and has considerable cultural weight.<br /> <br /> Worship of Menxruk is much more disorganized, and individualized, with little in the way of a formal theology. Large gatherings of Menxrukists would be a glaring target for Menxvanic warriors. Indeed, worship of Menxruk need not take any specific form, and depends largely on the whims of the priest leading the ritual. Cannibalism, human sacrifice, blood drinking, and bacchic orgies are have been practiced by sects claiming loyalty to Menxruk, but there are other, more subtle ways to do Menxruk's will. Menxruk accepts blatant atrocities as acts of devotion, though he prefers subtlety. Such overt acts are merely a distraction from the true source of evil, and intended to be as much. True evil is darker, more mysterious, and more difficult to track down. The worst mischiefs are done out of sight by Menxruk's more insidious agents while the heroes of the land are off battling obvious foes. The surest way to destroy something is not through brute force, but rather by corrupting it. Even the strongest, purest things things will rot and fall apart if infiltrated by perverting influences.<br /> <br /> Two distinct groups exist out of the differing worships:<br /> <br /> The [[Templars of Menxvan]]and the [[Guardians of Menxruk]].<br /> <br /> =Symbology=<br /> <br /> There are a variety of symbols that have become associated with Menxvan over the years. The color green is a very important symbolic color, representing life, prosperity, and fertility. Serpent imagery is also common, especially of a serpent swallowing its tail. (See Pat Feaster's file on Arangothian customs and note the uses of both serpent imagery and the color green in weddings and funerals) Third, the sun is also a symbol associated with Menxvan, due to the ancient creation myth. Finally, the character in the Arangothian alphabet that stands for the letter V (first letter of van, the word for good) is also used a symbol, though this is a fairly recent development. It is frequently used in religious jewelry, carved into stone in religious sites, or used in combination with other symbols. In addition, there are a number of other religious symbols; these are infrequently used, or associated only with particular rituals or holidays.<br /> <br /> As mentioned above, green is an important color in Menxvanic worship. Typical garb for performing religious rituals is a green robe, often with accents of other colors depending on the type of ceremony (white for purifications, black for funerals, etc). There is considerable variation in the priestly accoutrements among the various sects. (Modes of dress for particular sects is open to development).<br /> <br /> Since Menxruk's faith is largely underground and scattered, there is an even greater variety of symbols used by Menxruk's faithful in their worship. Menxrukic symbols tend to be inversions of Menxvanic symbols, preferably ones that are innocuous looking and easily concealed. The Arangothian letter R (for Ruk) is common, as are broken or incomplete circles, venomous snakes, crescent moons (since Menxruk is said to have created the moon), and sometimes mushrooms (which look harmless, but may in fact be deadly). There are many others which may be used only in certain areas or by certain sects, or are the mark of a particular priest.<br /> <br /> =The Priesthood=<br /> <br /> It is equally possible for men and women to become servants of Menxvan or Menxruk. (The specifics of the religious training are open for development). There are two major divisions of the Menxvanic priesthood: priests and priestesses, and holy men and holy women. Both receive the same religious training, and both have the same spiritual authority to perform religious ceremonies and rituals. The simple difference is that priests and priestesses are associated with one of the various temples throughout the land, while holy men and women are not. Holy men and women are wanderers, traveling throughout the kingdom, and even into other lands, to minister to people not within traveling distance of a temple. They perform an invaluable service in remote, rural areas, or in foreign lands with Menxvan-worshipping populations. Priests are allowed to marry and have children. In some sects, priests are expected to have a family, in others, staying single may be seen as a more virtuous calling, devoting oneself completely to Menxvan as it were.<br /> <br /> =Temples= <br /> <br /> Temples originally started out as an appropriately purified place where rituals can take place without the possibility of corruption. In the earliest days, they were simply caves or small huts, but they have evolved over the years into larger buildings devoted entirely to religious purposes, and sometimes entire complexes of buildings. Some temples have been built on sites associated with close communion with the other world, and others are repositories of relics, such as the mortal remains, or important possessions of particularly holy individuals. This is thought to make it more likely that the prayers of those within the temple are more likely to receive the intercession of Menxvan.<br /> <br /> In addition, the temples also serve as repositories of knowledge and history, containing accounts of the deeds of the faithful, and the collected teachings of particularly holy people, to be passed on for the edification of the people. In many areas, temples are the only source of education available. Menxvanic temples will teach literacy and basic mathematics to any person, provided that they are willing to work in the service of the temple for the duration of their studies. Temples also serve the function of hospitals in many areas of the kingdom, housing the sick, the injured, and the dying. Menxvanic priests are well versed in the arts of medicine and healing, and a number of them are also versed in the ways of magical healing.<br /> <br /> =The Origin of Things=<br /> <br /> A little while after the separation of the parts of the world out of Menxned, Van worked iron upon his anvil, and struck it with his hammer, and made out of it a great iron plate. Ruk was envious of Van for having this plate, and he decided to take it for himself. He seized it with both his hands, but Van held tight to it, and the more Ruk pulled, the firmer grew Van's grip. Finally the plate broke into a million pieces, and these pieces were scattered throughout the sky by a great wind. Ruk then said, &quot;I can make a better plate myself,&quot; and went off to make a plate of his own. In the meantime, Van made another iron plate upon his anvil, brighter and bigger than the first one. Ruk made a plate as well, but he made his out of stone and bone, and as he was making on it he kept thinking of the first plate, which had broken, and so the plate he made kept breaking and coming back together again. Finally, Van and Ruk came together and compared their plates, but they could not agree on which was the better plate. So Van and Ruk together made the first Man to judge which plate was the better of the two.<br /> <br /> Man looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate, and then he said, &quot;I'm thirsty, and I can't decide which plate is better until I have something to drink.&quot; And so Van and Ruk together made the Sea and the Lakes so that Man would have something to drink, so that they could hear from him which was the better plate.<br /> <br /> Man looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate, and then he said, &quot;I'm hungry, and I can't decide on an empty stomach which plate is better.&quot; And so Van and Ruk together made all the edible animals and all the edible plants so that Man would have something to eat, so that they could hear from him which was the better plate. Man looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate, and then he said, &quot;I'm lonely, and I can't decide which plate is better while I'm feeling depressed.&quot; And so Van and Ruk together made another person, and called the person Woman, so that Man would not be lonely, so that they could hear from him which was the better plate.<br /> <br /> Man and Woman looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate. And then, finally, Man said that in his opinion Van's plate was the better one. But Woman said that in her opinion Ruk's plate was the better one. So Van and Ruk pulled their hair and cried out that they still had not learned which was the better plate. And so they decided they needed yet another person to break the tie, and gave the Man and the Woman their distinctive features, so that they would have a child.<br /> <br /> The first time Woman gave birth, she gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, and the boy agreed with his father, and the girl with her mother. And so Van and Ruk waited.<br /> <br /> The second time Woman gave birth, she gave birth to quadruplets, two boys and two girls, and the two boys agreed with their father, and the two girls with their mother. And so Van and Ruk waited. The third time Woman gave birth, she gave birth to sextuplets, three boys and three girls, and the three boys agreed with their father, and the three girls with their mother.<br /> <br /> Ruk finally grew impatient of waiting, and he took both of the plates and flung them into the sky, cursing, &quot;Let you fly off into the sky like a bird, let you hide under the ground like a root!&quot; Van's plate became the Sun, and Ruk's plate became the Moon, and because Ruk had cursed them both to fly like birds and burrow like roots, they keep rising through the sky and falling under the ground, day after day, year after year. And this is also how Man and Woman first came to be, and even to this day they often do not agree about what is best.<br /> <br /> -- This story was collected from an illiterate peasant woman in the Sresar Vale by Professor Kenglith of the Royal Arangothian University, a close colleague of Serisious Blendwythe. <br /> <br /> [[Category:Arangothian Customs and Rituals]] [[Category: Menxism]]<br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Lilism&diff=4606 2013-05-06T00:07:13Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Religion<br /> | name = Lilism<br /> | image = <br /> | alt = <br /> | caption = <br /> <br /> | type = Nontheistic<br /> | deity1 = <br /> | deity2 = <br /> | deity3 =<br /> | deity4 =<br /> | deity5 =<br /> | deity6 =<br /> | regional_origins = Western Vallaria<br /> | practiced_in = [[Griffon's Aerie]], [[Leturia]], [[Secca]]<br /> | symbol = <br /> }}<br /> <br /> The Lil is the sacred text of the ancient Vallarians, although it contains no explicit references to anything of a divine nature and is strictly a set of prescriptions for how society should function. Today, the precepts of the Lil are followed in [[Griffon's Aerie]], [[Leturia]], and [[Secca]]. Due to the exodus of humans and dwarves from the region after the Griffon conquest, there are also Lilist communities beyond the boundaries of the former Vallarian territories. In [[Arangoth]], many Vallarian refugees settled in [[Arania]] and intermarried with Arangothians, and blended their religious practices with the native [[Menxism]]. Some of the dwarves settled in the Key Peaks on the [[Isles of Myst]], while others landed in Arangoth and joined the dwarven community in [[Ruthmarna]]. <br /> <br /> =History=<br /> <br /> Its first two books were put into writing around the year 1140 BT in one of several warring Vallarian principalities. The first book relates a number of adages and precepts by which society was to be governed; the second relates the history of the warring principalities, drawing morals from the failures and successes of the petty rulers of the day. The third book was written during the reign of Adrovos (1090-1038? BT), who united Vallaria into a single kingdom. It purports to have been written by Adrovos himself, and it describes how this king benefited from the wisdom of the first two books and how this was the reason for his successful unification of the country. Although additional chronicles were added to the end of the Lil until the year 790 BT, these books are considered apocryphal and only the first three books are deemed authentic, sacred, and immutable.<br /> <br /> The Lil was translated into the Griffon language around 355 BT, and the translation included a number of distortions which were later used to great advantage by the Griffons. For example, the original version of the Lil had included the line, &quot;The enlightened shall rule over the unenlightened.&quot; The translation altered the meaning to, &quot;The winged shall rule over the unwinged.&quot; This was not a deliberate distortion, since the same word means both &quot;winged&quot; and &quot;enlightened&quot; in Griffon; however, the line was used to justify the Griffon seizure of power in 312 BT. (Similarly, the same passage in the Leturian translation of the Lil says, &quot;The tailish shall rule over the un-tailed.&quot;) Virtually all copies of the older version of the Lil had been burned by 110 BT.<br /> <br /> =Belief System=<br /> <br /> The Lil is thus used as a basis for both moral guidance and secular administration of justice, and an enormous secondary body of literature has grown up around its proper analysis. Libraries of these meticulous studies exist in all the major Lilist cities in buildings known as the Halls of Justice, which function both as courts of law and as places where citizens may ask trained Lilists for advice on personal problems. The Lil has therefore a total sort of power over its adherents: its authority extends from punishing high treason to encouraging young griffonettes to eat their peas, from hearing murder cases to advising those with marital or financial problems. The king is the highest authority regarding interpretation of the Lil but rarely exercises this power.<br /> <br /> ==Cults==<br /> <br /> Lilism in and of itself promotes no specific religious cult; however, it does urge each citizen to adhere to '''a''' religious cult. This aspect of religious observation has no moral content -- that is reserved to the Lil -- but is limited to the observance of certain rituals in honor of a spirit or an ancestor. These rituals are considered necessary to avert terrible catastrophes from occurring, and the Lilist state organization considers it imperative to make certain that none of the existing cults be neglected. Ancestral cults are generally limited to extremely ancient families, usually Griffon families. Other objects of worship can be related to one's occupation, to one's ethnic background, to a particular illness or injury one has survived, to one's military service, or to one's economic status. However, each citizen is registered with a single cult (at the age of twenty, before which one follows one's parents' cult) and after that point it is very difficult to switch cults. The cults often serve as networks for providing their members with charity in hard times or with jobs. Each cult ritual is kept a secret insofar as is possible, and they are believed to be very diverse in nature. Cults have temples as well, which vary tremendously in size and ostentation.<br /> <br /> =Other Information=<br /> <br /> The leading center of Lil interpretation is the University of Randegow, in Griffon's Aerie founded in 376. This establishment resembles a cross between a law school and a theological seminary.<br /> <br /> =A Brief Passage from the Lil=<br /> <br /> &lt;blockquote&gt;''&quot;When I was young, my heart was ruled by my own whims. When I was somewhat older, my heart was ruled by the whims of another. When I became an adult, my heart was henceforth ruled by the State. This is the noblest of loves. And when I was young, I would have laid down my life only for myself. When I was somewhat older, I would have laid down my life only for another. Now I would lay down my life for the health and prosperity of the State. This is the noblest of deaths. He who serves but himself is the most selfish. He who serves but his lover is selfish also, though differently so. He who serves the State is truly worthy of praise. The State is more personal than myself, and the State is more beautiful than my lover even in my own eyes. Without the State, I have no personhood and no identity; and without the State, my lover is torn from my arms. A person serves himself by doing what will make himself the happiest and the most prosperous. A person serves another by protecting that person from evildoers, and showering affection upon that person, and by seeking to make that person the happiest and most prosperous. It is similar with the service of the State. Likewise there is no difference between spending many nights apart from one's lover, or spending many days away from the State: one's heart grows sick within one, and one longs for speedy death.&quot;''&lt;/blockquote&gt;<br /> <br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ellurian_Religion&diff=4605 2013-05-06T00:06:37Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Religion<br /> | name = Ellurian pantheon<br /> | image = <br /> | alt = <br /> | caption = <br /> <br /> | type = Polytheistic<br /> | deity1 = Gitaro, <br /> | deity2 = Grelon,<br /> | deity3 = Ekki<br /> | deity4 =<br /> | deity5 =<br /> | deity6 =<br /> | regional_origins = Elluria<br /> | practiced_in = Tollor, Elluria, Emil<br /> | symbol = <br /> }}<br /> <br /> Ellurians follow a wide range of gods, but centre around the primacy of ancient Gitaro, Grelon, and Ekki. The Del-Ot holiday of the Ellurian religion is often marked by a pilgrimage to the holy island of El-Ekki. According to Ellurian mythology, the gods once walked the earth and actively involved themselves in the affairs of mortals, until the chief deity Gitaro decreed that humans should be the masters of their own destiny. This stands in sharp contrast to the [[Aslar|Aslarian]] belief in impersonal and capricious [[Munism|Muns]].<br /> <br /> The [[Alesian Imperium|Alesians]] naturally brought their own [[Alesian Religion|religious practices]] from their distant homeland, and have erected temples to their own gods in Garusk and other Ellurian cities. There is an effort under way by the Alesian priests to merge the two religions by identifying the Alesian and Ellurian deities with one another, starting with Jornos and Gitaro, since both are solar deities at the heads of their pantheons. <br /> <br /> =Mythology=<br /> ==The Root Scripture of Gitaro==<br /> <br /> POLAR was the son of Evus, who was the son of Agalio. Polar had dreams at a young age about the island of the gods that was to the south of his villiage. The dreams told the young man that he should sail to Calabaro, the city of the gods, and speak with Gitaro about the fate of mankind. Polar was a poor farmer and a Loquite,&lt;ref name=&quot;Loquite&quot; /&gt; and knew of only one man who had a ship that could make it to the island.<br /> <br /> His brother Azur, who was not the son of Evus but the son of Thus, who was a captain of a Dolluthian ship named the Eorek. The god Seviro appeared before Azur and ordered him to take Polar to the island, and he obeyed. Polar, Azur, and thirty one Dolluthians set sail for the island, and before an hour's time, Azur tried to push Polar into the shark-infested waters. The gods sent a gull to help Polar by gouging out Azur's eyes, and Azur fell into the water. The crew tried to kill Polar because they were afraid, but the goddess Kili appeared before them and told them that Polar had done no wrong.<br /> <br /> Polar arrived at the island unharmed, and he walked to the city of Calabaro where Gitaro was waiting for him atop a golden throne, with the other gods arrayed to his left and to his right. Each bore a stone tablet, which they presented to Polar in turn. &quot;Man controls his own fate now,&quot; Gitaro said, &quot;For now it is nature that needs our control the most.&quot; Polar read the tablets, on which were written final instructions for mankind. As he looked up from reading the tablets the gods were gone, and the city of Calabaro was no longer there. Polar stayed on the island for nine days.<br /> <br /> And the gods, having given Polar these instructions, left to control the world around them, so that it could hold steady against Time.<br /> <br /> '''GITARO''', who went to control the sun, wrote, &quot;You should do no harm to the innocent, and if a man is found guilty of theft or malice, he should not be punished more than his crime is worth.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''EKKI''', who went to control the soil, wrote, &quot;You should not take too much, but you should moderate you food, drink, and pleasure so as not to throw away the balance that the earth has given you.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''NYL''', who went to control the moon, wrote, &quot;Honor your rulers, for it is they who have been chosen to mediate the disputes of man.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''GRELON''', who went to control the thunder, wrote, &quot;Treat your servants with care, for you may all be called on to serve the gods at any given moment.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''LUER''', who went to control the trees, wrote, &quot;Protect your children so that they will one day run your business and prosper.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''LACH''', who went to control the mountains, wrote, &quot;You should stand strong against any aggressor, so that you may insure that your children will have just rule.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''KILI''', who went to control the rain, wrote, &quot;Forgive those who have wronged you in the past.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''RUFEL''', who went to control the harvest, wrote, &quot;Give to your needy neighbors what they need, but not so much that it takes the food from your children's mouths.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''SEVIRO''', who went to control the sea, wrote, &quot;Celebrate your lives and be merry, for life is a wonderful gift indeed!&quot;<br /> <br /> =Belief System=<br /> <br /> The most important religious celebration in the Ellurian religion is the Del-Ot festival, which begins on the 24th of Second Seed, and lasts until the first day of Mid Year. Each of the nine days is devoted to a different deity, and has a different focus. Del-Ot celebrations are common in any city with a significant Ellurian population, and many of the faithful make pilgrimages to the sacred island of [[El-Ekki]] to celebrate the festival.<br /> <br /> ==The Nine Days of Del-Ot==<br /> <br /> # '''Gitaro''': Reflections Day / Sacrifice<br /> # '''Ekki''': Fasting Day<br /> # '''Nyl''': Royal Assembly<br /> # '''Grelon''': Labor Day<br /> # '''Luer''': Passage to Manhood<br /> # '''Lach''': Military Processions<br /> # '''Kili''': Forgiveness Day<br /> # '''Rufel''': Gift Day<br /> # '''Seviro''': Celebration Day<br /> <br /> <br /> &lt;references&gt;<br /> &lt;ref name=&quot;Loquite&quot;&gt;Loquites, Dolluthians, and Harons were three ancient peoples who are the ancestral stock of present-day Ellurians. &lt;/ref&gt;<br /> &lt;/references&gt;<br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Najjir&diff=4603 2013-05-06T00:06:11Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Country<br /> | name = Najjir<br /> | image = Najjir.jpg<br /> | alt = <br /> | caption = <br /> <br /> | motto = ''Menxiyeh dhallam ir-rahad.''<br /> | capital = Najjir has no capital, but major cities include [[Qarsythe]] and the ruins of [[Najjir#History|Amas'kyaa]],<br /> | language1 = [[Najjir#Language|Najjira]]<br /> | language2 = <br /> | language3 =<br /> | race1 = Various Native [[Najji]] races,<br /> | race2 = [[Dwarves]], and<br /> | race3 = [[Elves#Dune Elves|Shushan Elves]]<br /> | religion = Primarily [[Najjir#Religion|Menxiyeh]], among others.<br /> | government = [[Independent City-State|Independent City-States]] and Domains.<br /> | ruler = <br /> | population = <br /> | currency =<br /> }}<br /> <br /> <br /> North of [[Kahlahra]] and [[Rashnad]] lie the dunes of Najjir – a stretch of desert, scrublands and oases extending to the [[Long Sea]]. Najjir is not a country, but a language and culture shared among multiple sovereign domains and [[Independent City-State|city-states]] throughout the region. Most Najjira civilization is situated in a broad ring around the [[Najjir#The Crystal Frontier|Fareedah]], encrusted around the life-giving rivers, streams and oases in an ocean of drifting sand. <br /> <br /> Many centuries ago, the mighty [[Najjir#History|Amas'kyaa]] empire spanned the area. The capital city laid at the heart of what was once a valley of life, but is now a wasteland called the Fareedah. A magical cataclysm swallowed the enormous center of civilization in a matter of hours. The rest of the empire crumbled shortly afterwards. Thousands of ruins and fragments remain scattered throughout the land. <br /> <br /> Modern Najjir, though divided among different domains, is united culturally and linguistically. Dialects vary all throughout the land but the [[Qarsythe|Qarsythian]] sheikh, the [[Najjir#Buhucha|Buhuchan]] poppy farmer and the [[Najjir#Emshi Nomads|Emshi]] wanderer can all understand each other. Though its residents come from different cities and ethnic groups, the brown people of the desert share a common identity.<br /> <br /> =History=<br /> <br /> ==Amas'kyaa==<br /> <br /> The shining jewel of the sands was built on the vast [[Siham River]] that ran from the [[Sh'hazrid|Sh'hazridi]] aquifer towards the sea. The unknown architects of the central eponymous city-state utilized rock from the nearby ridges as their materials, making the city comprised almost one third out of glimmering translucent crystal of varying hues and coloration. Gargantuan towers and statues of the old gods loomed over the landshaft. From his throne, the Malik administered bureaucracy, construction, taxes, life, and death. The Malik's army, which had been used to conquer much of the region, simultaneously protected the empire from largely insignificant external threats and also policed on the inside. When warriors died, they were sometimes resurrected as glyph-bound, mummified warriors known as “[[Hollow Men]].”<br /> <br /> People close to the central city lived in relative prosperity; however, the individual was worth very little in those days, and the Pharaoh had absolute control. Amas'kyaa had developed language early, and surviving records say that laws, poems, and bureaucratic records could be found on most walls of the city. They also discovered the linguistic magic of glyphs and sigils, which were used for many things, including gateways between different cities and a magical field around the Pharaoh’s palace. They were also used to create special control tattoos, etched into certain slaves and prisoners to rob them of their ability to carry out their free will. This art has mostly been lost to modern generations.<br /> <br /> Near the center of the capital city, priests of the pantheon had worked for centuries on a massive inter-dimensional star gate that would connect their world to the realm of gods, but they were never quite successful at making it work. The unfinished gateway sat atop a large ziggurat to [[Najjir#The Old Gods|Akhthon]], the god of gods.<br /> <br /> ===The Psionic Gift===<br /> <br /> Every so often, a child was born with extraordinarily vibrant eyes, usually colored blue, purple, or aquamarine. As these children matured, they found themselves developing various psychic abilities such as psychokinesis, telepathy, or biofeedback. While early specimens of the gift were either killed or feared as sorcerers, later leaders found that it was better to utilize these people in service of the kingdom. The dispersal of psionics among the population helped shape its magical tradition, which leaned away from direct arcane manipulation. After discovering that the local crystal resonates with mental thought forms, a great deal of Amas'kyaan supernaturalism and technology developed from these psi-crystals. Some of the more powerful psions became the Pharaoh’s psychic advisers, known as [[Thinkers]].<br /> <br /> ==Ankenahotep and the Amas'madeen==<br /> <br /> Following a barely-thwarted internal plot against the throne, the Thinker Ankenahotep suggested to the Pharaoh that the empire needed an elite force of psionic guardians that could swiftly respond to any threat with stealth and power. The pharaoh gave consent, and Ankenahotep handpicked fifteen psychic disciples, gradually developing a comprehensive fighting system augmented with mental energy. He called his warriors the Amas'madeen, or Guardians of Amas'kyaa, and charged them with teaching other carefully-selected recruits.<br /> <br /> In only one generation, they became legendary. Their vibrant eyes and spooky mental powers made this small but well-trained force renowned throughout the empire. The primary weapon of the Amas'madeen were specially made and psychically encoded crystal knives called the [[Ekri-nam]] or &quot;weaponized self.&quot; The warriors' will to fight and protect the empire charged the knife, giving it supernatural sharpness and striking power on top of the capability to contain more substantial abilities. When Ankenahotep died, his successors took over leadership, doing such diverse tasks as discovering malicious plots, hunting [[Goliath Scorpion|Goliath scorpions]], or even serving as diplomats to administrate relations between provinces. <br /> <br /> ==Iznagar and the Anathema - Amas'kyaa Falls==<br /> <br /> Akhthon's father, the time-squid Zxulth, was not just a legend. Eventually, the mind flayer Iznagar and his Cult of Anathema came to Amas'kyaa in disguise. The faraway star-spawn worshiping alienists quickly infiltrated the city and the priesthood. Under an assumed name, Iznagar consulted them on how to complete and open the star gate, which supposedly would lead to the realm of the gods. The Anathema cult's embrace of things zodiacal enabled them to make friends in the Ankenah circles, with only a few people realizing--too late--the endpoint of all this intrigue: that the portal lead somewhere else entirely.<br /> <br /> Under a seven-star conjunction, Iznagar reconstructed an old artifact that shredded the sky over the city into a massive vortex. As the forces of Amas'kyaa battled for survival, the vortex stabilized into a gateway through which a crawled a tentacled megafiend. There were no survivors. The crystal walls of the city turned sickly shades of black, and the soil itself became cursed and unholy. What was once the center of an ancient civilization had become a cancer on the face of the land. While fighting for their lives, the last of the Amas'madeen made a final desperate attack against the star gate, closing it before the cosmic demon fully emerged. The demon remained trapped there for centuries, weakened but subsisting on the souls of pilgrims and adventurers that came to the ruin to investigate.<br /> <br /> ==Time of Troubles==<br /> <br /> With the fall of the capital city, the rest of Amas'kyaa soon fractured and fell apart into various city-states and wandering tribes. Without having to pay tribute to the Malik, nobles in the [[Eretz]] and in [[Qarsythe]] moved quickly to consolidate their positions. As the most powerful domains, the two promptly entered into a conflict. Qarsythe tried unsuccessfully to annex Eretziyeh lands, using sorcery which darkened the sky temporarily. It was henceforth known as [[Twilight War]]. [[Mashriq]] also cracked down on the [[Najjir#Shushan Travelers|Shushan]] elves at the behest of the growing trade guilds. The Arcanists consolidated power in Qarsythe at the same time, using the drums of war to slowly take over the functions of government. <br /> <br /> Around this time, [[Sh'hazrid]] was founded, when a Qarsythian master architect escaped with the help of his lover, a palace vizier named Kamil. The two conceived of the city, gathered the crews, and built Sh'hazrid over decades, one single building of a city, with irrigation and gardens built right in. Kamil became its first Sultan. Over on the east, [[Khorzem]] was building its confederation out of alliances and assassinations.<br /> <br /> ==The Rise of Menxism, Guilds, City-states==<br /> <br /> [[Goxal]] and later, [[Igmerinds|Igmerind]] missionaries tried to bring [[Menxism]] to Najjir but had little luck until Rashid al-Mahiyat, a [[Najjir#Buhucha|Buhucha]] commoner, decided to reinterpret Menxism and use his local connections along with [[Templars of Menxvan|Templar]] gifts to conquer most of Najjir and convert it to his faith. The crusade was partly successful because rulers were allowed to keep their positions in exchange for enforcing the new religion. The prophet suffered a heart attack shortly after his conquest, in the city of [[Ul'habad]], the highest point in Najjir. A giant church was instantly built around his body and that remains the center of Menxist faith to this day. Over the next few hundred years, Najjira people got used to Menxism as a way of life, which fostered greater communication and thus, trade between domains.<br /> <br /> =Geographical Features=<br /> [[file:Najj2.jpg|thumb|Map of the region showing the area of influence of the various city-states.]]<br /> Najjir is a region bounded by [[Kahlahra]] in the south, [[Taj Jahan]] in the east, and the [[Long Sea]] to the north. Its heart is the smoldering [[Najjir#The Crystal Frontier|Fareedah]] desert, and its periphery is full of burgeoning life.<br /> <br /> The [[Eretz]] is the name of a long, crescent-shaped peninsula sticking out of the north coast of Najjir. While close to the desert, the hilly Eretz experiences a milder climate and more frequent rainfalls, making it a fertile breadbasket. The peninsula and the land around it are renowned throughout Najjir as a paradise and, throughout the centuries, control of the area has shifted often as various powers vied for control of Najjir's prime real estate.<br /> <br /> The area known as [[Buhucha]] encompasses southern Najjir, including the lands that border [[Kahlahra]] and [[Rashnad]]. There is less open desert here so much as rolling hills of scrubland and trees suited to grow in rocky places. Occasionally, the hills dip into fields of crimson poppies tended to by [[Elves#Dune Elves|Shushan]] minders. <br /> <br /> ==The Crystal Frontier==<br /> <br /> Northwest of [[Sh'hazrid]] lie the sparkling dunes of the Fareedah desert. The area is littered with natural crystal formations large and small, their glassy multicolored facets making the desert glow eerily in the moonlight. Monstrous [[Goliath Scorpion|Goliath scorpions]] lurk under the surface, and a dried out riverbed snakes its way through the shifting sands, running past ruins and relics of ancient societies.<br /> <br /> Once the axis of Najjir, the Fareedah is now a single impenetrable obstacle, and all Najjira travelers must move in a circle around it. Crossing the crystal frontier means entering a warped and cursed ground where the air is thick with congealed time, and everything is covered in destructive astral fallout. Going deeper, travelers experience hallucinations and risk losing their minds. In the heart of it all sits the haunted ruins of [[Najjir#History|Amas'kyaa]], alive and driven mad by memories. To date, only a handful of adventurers have ever survived the city. Once every several decades, a swarm of mutated pestilence covers the Fareedah, seeming to come from the very bowels of the accursed ruin itself. To travel there during this time is suicide. Neighboring domains go on high alert, deploying mages to their borders to help drive off the alien threat.<br /> <br /> Recent studies by Qarsythian scholars into rock fragments brought back from the dead zone suggest that the crystal formations growing in the desert may be a type of living creature, with extremely fine silica nerve strands woven through the hard rock. A live 'thinking crystal' continually generates a mental field, similar to a psychically gifted creature. It can explain the presence of this gift among early Amas'madeen and modern Emshi nomads, who are the only ones who live anywhere close enough to the crystal frontier to receive the effect. Scholars speculate that the scorpions may be involved in a symbiotic relationship with the crystals but are unsure of its nature.<br /> <br /> =Government, Politics and People=<br /> <br /> Individual city-states within the region operate their own governments.<br /> <br /> =Military=<br /> <br /> No organized military force exists; however, individual domains may have their own soldiers. The Qarsythians field the strongest army overall but the Eretziyeh men at arms have also been regarded as well-trained and capable.<br /> <br /> =Religion=<br /> <br /> [[Menxism]] is the predominant religion across Najjir. In some domains, it’s the official state religion, while others are more permissive of other belief systems. The worship of [[Menxvan]] (often spelled Menxwan or Menqs’wan) originally came from what is now [[Arangoth]], but the Najjira interpretation of the faith differs from its counterpart. Most Najjira people are Menxists, though not everyone practices. Other people may worship the old gods of the [[Najjir#History|Amas’kyaa]] empire or adhere to other faiths entirely.<br /> <br /> ==Menxiyeh==<br /> <br /> Much of the tenets of Najjira Menxiyeh come from the prophet Rashid Mahiyat, who radically re-envisioned the religion brought by the [[Templars_of_Menxvan|Templars]] of the south. It was he who took the faith from isolated Templar outposts, interpreted it from a Najjira perspective, and amassed a crusade that swept through Najjir, converting a majority of the population. Historians have linked the rise of [[Menxism]] to Najjir’s cultural renaissance after the collapse of the ancient empire of [[Najjir#History|Amas’kyaa]].<br /> <br /> The tenets of the faith are enumerated in a tome called the &quot;Menxiyeh Mahiyati,&quot; penned by Rashid Mahiyat shortly before his death. Much like in the Arangothian version, there once existed but a single mind, [[Nehed]], the god of gods. It pleased Him to create the universe, but since He was all that ever had been, he split his consciousness into millions of fragments in order to create &quot;soul-templates&quot; for all that exists. Two of Nehed’s greatest souls contained the seeds of their father’s wisdom: the elder Al-Menxwan and the younger Al-Menxruk.<br /> <br /> The twins became the caretakers of creation until the day when all souls would re-coalesce into perfect one-ness. Since Nehed was greater than the sum of His parts, His constituent souls needed to grow in wisdom and goodness before they could rejoin with one another. Menxwan created [[The Empyreann]], where noble souls come together to dwell in bliss, awaiting the eventual apotheosis. His brother [[Menxruk]], however, became seduced by matter and grew unwilling to return to singularity. Menxruk employed his army of [[Djinn]] and [[Demons]] to lead sentient-kind astray and stave off apotheosis, and now he seeks to seize control and remake creation in his image. Menxruk is often known as Al-Shaitan – The Adversary. Any action that supports The Adversary prevents the rest of creation from achieving its purpose; therefore heretics, Menxrukians, and other sinners are seen as holding everyone else back.<br /> <br /> ===Observance===<br /> <br /> Observing the Menxiyeh involves keeping a spiritually pure lifestyle and helping advance Menxwan’s agenda. Those who follow Menxruk are seen as heretics and often not accepted openly in society. Prayer is essential to maintain the spiritual link to Menwan’s Empyreann. In large cities, Menxwanite clerics let people know when and how to pray by singing from tall towers in the morning, at noon, and at sunset. The First, Second and Evening songs are also often used to tell time. In smaller settlements with no tower, traveling clerics perform the functions of both human prayerbook and almanac.<br /> <br /> As an orderly god, Menxwan prescribes keeping one’s affairs in order. The Holy Book contains a description of the ideal family life, a section on resolving disputes, and a list of rules for an orderly society. The laws of most domains are influenced by these rules. Menxism also calls for charity, acts of kindness, and being a good citizen. At the same time, the dogma forbids harboring those who would spread the will of Menxruk. In the hands of some clerics, this passage has turned into a witch hunt.<br /> <br /> There is currently a schism among the churches related to two interpretations of the Menxiyeh Mahiyati. The more hardline [[Mahadi Faction]] believes in strict retribution against heretics, whereas the more peaceful [[Salafi Sect]] strives to embrace them &quot;because Menxwan’s wisdom will inevitably win.&quot; Both the truly righteous and the corrupt can be found on either side of the debate.<br /> <br /> ==The Old Gods==<br /> <br /> Long before [[Menxism]] came to Najjir, during the time of [[Najjir#History|Amas'kyaa]], people worshiped an entirely different system of gods. The pantheon consisted of rebels from monstrous cosmic star-spawn that once controlled this plane. The original tales are said to have passed down to proto-Najjira people from extra-planar travelers. This polytheistic faith still has followers today, though in far fewer numbers.<br /> <br /> Despite Menxism’s initial success, many people continued to combine the two religions in their mind, looking to [[Menxvan]] for the future of their souls, but turning to the old ones for lesser things. Shrines to the old gods can be found here and there throughout the land, and some have formed secret sects around the worship of one old god or another. Sect members usually don’t discuss it in mixed company for fear of ostracism. The nomadic tribes of Najjir are the biggest worshipers of the old gods. All that’s known of these deities has been recovered by historians from the ruins and records of the former empire. The following is an incomplete list:<br /> <br /> * '''Akhthon''' – The Prime Mover, god of the sun and wielder of lightning. This leader of the gods' insurrection slew his mother, the she-wyrm Attu, and drove his father, the time-squid Zxulh, to exile beyond the gate of stars. Akhthon’s will keeps the chariot of the sun circling and the world heated and lit. He always watches from his golden observatory to see whether cosmic danger approaches and if all is well in the universe.<br /> * '''Nadah''' – The Winnower. As a spiritual gardener of the gods’ realm, she is in charge of weeding out the bad souls from the good after their death. The good souls get to stay in the realm of the gods. Bad or unwanted souls end up in Tepemkau’s vault.<br /> * '''Ahmose''' – The Lanterner, god of the moon, time, and agriculture. This reclusive insomniac deity carries the lunar lantern around the sky while Akhthon’s chariot is underground. As the pantheon’s calendar keeper, he is responsible for watching over the proper flow of time, and his lantern is always present to inform everyone of the passage of days and seasons.<br /> * '''Inash''' – The Master Healer. This is a god of life, alchemy and healing. The sacred profession of medicine falls under his purview. Inash empowers followers who ease the suffering of others and take on the stresses of the world. On the other hand, he is also the god of poisons and various other alchemical combinations. People pray to Inash for the health of their families, crops and livestock, and the removal of blights, both biological and societal.<br /> * '''Matathu''' – The Dreamer. She is nocturnal goddess who presides over the court of dream and nightmare. She knows all the hopes and fears of sentient-kind and is most in touch with the pulse of humanity, rewarding either with bliss or punishing with insanity. Amas’kyaan psychics and astral travelers try to appease Matathu in exchange for the soundness and safety of their minds.<br /> * '''Tukkul''' – The Manifold. He is the four-headed, multiple-personality god of the winds, weather, change, and erosion. Praying to him is complicated because one needs to know which of his personae dominate his mind at any one time.<br /> * '''Siamah''' – The Laughing Conqueress, goddess of warfare, passion, and love. People in Amas’kyaa believed that love and strife are two sides of the same coin and that Siamah represents them both. No god but Akhthon can best her in single combat, though one or two have tricked her in order to defeat her in a spar and get in her bed.<br /> * '''Nedresh''' – Siamah’s younger brother, the god of art, music and revelry. Though he is among the weakest gods of the pantheon, everyone loves him because he makes life worth living.<br /> * '''Tepemkau''' – The Great Death. He is a deity of sun-bleached skin and sand-blasted bones who walks through the deserts collecting the dead. Tepemkau is the keymaster of the vault where all unworthy souls are kept. His vault has eight compartments, the last of which opens up into the pit unto the star-gate to beyond, where star-spawn languish in their squamous exile. The worst souls go through the gate to feed them.<br /> * '''Khamesh''' – The Fateweaver, trickster-deity of fate, roads and information. The great manipulator is so enigmatic that no one is really sure whether Khamesh is male or female. The Fateweaver alone can see the multicolored strands of information that comprise the lives of mortals and gods, and as such, possesses the gift of divination. Khamesh is the patron deity of couriers, travelers and magicians. The Fateweaver’s sacred animal is the Fennec fox. The wandering [[Najjir#Shushan Travelers|Shushan]] elves place Khamesh the highest in their pantheon.<br /> <br /> ==Other Faiths==<br /> <br /> Other faiths can be found among Najjir in smaller numbers. Pockets of foreigners in coastal cities typically retain their earlier beliefs, and cultural diffusion bleeds over from neighboring lands. As Najjir relies on trade, foreigners are free to practice any religion they wish without too much ostracism - followers of Menxruk are one major exception.<br /> <br /> =Society and People=<br /> <br /> Etymology:<br /> <br /> Najjir (noun) - refers either to the region or the entire body of people living there.<br /> <br /> Najjira (adjective) – refers to the Najjira language or to a person’s background, i.e. “A Najjira man.”<br /> <br /> Najj, Najji (slang) – an informal, occidental way to refer to someone from Najjir.<br /> <br /> ==Common Culture==<br /> <br /> Najjira populations cluster around city-states that sit on rivers, crossroads, or oases. Usually, a city has a satellite of villages and farmland spread out around it. The city’s ruler exerts a sphere of influence over the surrounding land to the extent that he can protect it. These spheres of influence are commonly called domains. Some domains like [[Qarsythe]], are enormous, containing many towns and cities, while others, like [[Dastarkhan]], are tiny in comparison. Most people, with the exception of some tribes, are patriarchal and polygamous. Marriages are usually arranged, and the number of wives a man has is often a sign of his social status. Other status symbols include the amount of land or livestock a man has, whether he was born as a noble or a commoner, and his level of education. Slavery is an accepted practice in Najjir, and free people always have more rights than slaves.<br /> <br /> The Najjira are a trading people, but they are also a people of letters. Najjira scholars try to translate as many cultures’ written works as they can, and a handful of the larger cities boast public libraries. Najjira natural philosophers have made some important breakthroughs in astronomy, mathematics, and linguistics (see [[Najjir#Ankenah|Ankenah]]). Customs vary, but most free Najjira value piety, hospitality, and eloquence. Poetry is a national pastime, to the point where all educated people are expected to be able to speak and write in verse. Family is of paramount importance to any Najjira, and family honor and reputation is worth more than material wealth. Young men like to declare blood feuds against people who have brought dishonor to their families.<br /> <br /> When a Najjira household entertains guests, the host is expected to share his best food, wine, and lodging, and guests should accept it without question. It is expected of the guest, the traveler, to regale the host with road tales and news from abroad. A guest should never hesitate to follow the host in prayer, even if they worship a different deity; if they pray silently, their thoughts are their own. Most Najjira dwellings have two sections--one for men and one for women--and depending on a guest's gender, they must make sure to sleep on the appropriate side of the house.<br /> <br /> ==Social Status==<br /> <br /> Rulers, their advisers, and high nobility stand at the top of society. They live in palaces or manor-houses with lush gardens and sizable harems of up to dozens of women. Usually, such powerful people have their own private guards or command detachments of the domain’s soldiers. The powerful love to bask in ostentatious displays of their wealth, hiring artists and decorating everything they own with jewels and precious metals. No less wealthy are the top merchants and guild masters. They enjoy a very high standard of living but tend to invest their money into more liquid assets than expensive palaces. Because they command not only great wealth but also the means of trade that fills their ruler’s coffers, they enjoy a great deal of influence in society. A powerful merchant’s reach may extend across many domains, where Emirs and Princes eat out of the palm of his hand. Smaller merchants, master craftsmen, plantation farmers, and educated scholars are next on the social ladder. They are comfortably well-off but lack the opulence of their wealthier counterparts. They might have only a handful of wives, a nice house, and a plot of land that brings in a decent income. Journeymen crafters, small farmers, and semi-skilled laborers usually have only one wife and a small house. Though they have the means to make their daily bread, they won’t always be comfortable. On Bazaar days, their likes clog the market stalls, hoping to sell enough to maintain their meager lifestyle. Most low-ranking guards and soldiers also fall into this category. Unskilled laborers, dervishes, beggars, and subsistence farmers have it worst of all. They rarely go a day without experiencing hunger pangs. Sometimes these poor souls turn to a life of crime out of desperation. Slaves are at the bottom of Najjira society and are entirely at their master’s disposal, though they sometimes eat better than the free poor.<br /> <br /> ==Economy==<br /> <br /> The economy in the big cities and their surrounding areas is structured around the concept of the bazaar – a huge marketplace in the very center of town that forms daily, except on religious holidays. Everything is bought, sold, and traded at the bazaar, including the administration of most social functions, making it the nexus of Najjira life. The bargaining tradition is deeply embedded in the bazaar culture; expect to haggle for everything except food and tea. In some cities, bargaining is an art of competing in eloquence, while in others, haggling fulfills a more practical role. If a prospective buyer doesn’t haggle for their goods, most vendors will lose respect for them and drastically inflate their prices.<br /> <br /> Traders intersect the desert in camel and mule-drawn caravans, banding together for protection and hiring guides to lead them along the treacherous roads. Heat, the lack of water, and banditry are all common threats to any caravan. Caravans can either be conglomerates of various traders, belong to a single merchant, or consist of professional transporters with their own camels and guards who hire themselves out to people for safe passage. Traders often cross national boundaries to do business with [[Rashnad]] and more recently, [[Arangoth]]. Animal breeders often make mercantile forays into [[Kahlahra]] to purchase the prized [[Khalar Horses|Khalar horses]] for the upper crust of society. The port cities of [[Mashriq]], [[Bassij]] and [[Khorzem]] receive ships from all over the world.<br /> <br /> Guilds are the biggest players in the Najjira economy. In any given city, large and small guilds devoted to all sorts of crafts and professions can be found. Some guilds are local, while others are spread out across Najjir. Membership often equates to a more favorable place in a bazaar; high-ranking guild officers can control supply and thus, prices. In some cities, guilds have de-facto taken over the functions of government (see [[Qarsythe]] and [[Khorzem]]). There are some special types of guilds, such as the shipwright cartels in the port cities and the pan-Najjira association of scribes, described in greater depth in the [[Najjir#Language|language]] section.<br /> <br /> =The City-States=<br /> <br /> ===[[Mashriq]]===<br /> <br /> Najjir’s largest port sitting on a fertile breadbasket and Najjir's second-most powerful domain. The locals consider themselves worldly, cosmopolitan and practical. Maritime access to the world is often choked by a guild of rapacious merchants. <br /> <br /> ===[[Qarsythe]]=== <br /> <br /> The largest, most powerful domain in Najjir, ruled over by a guild of mages, who attempt to find magical solutions to a big percentage of their problems. Qarsythe is a big center of learning and a top producer of magic items. <br /> <br /> ===[[Sh'hazrid]]===<br /> <br /> Sh’hazrid is an architectural marvel – entirely planned out and constructed as a single sprawling building with aqueducts, hanging gardens, dwelling spaces and walkways woven right into it. Major coffee exporter. <br /> <br /> ===[[Bassij]]===<br /> <br /> The second largest port in Najjir, quickly becoming just as important as Mashriq. Bassij sits in the [[Silver Sea]], which means it has access to [[Kazamki]] and [[Drache]], and it's a big exporter of silver, iron and copper. <br /> <br /> ===[[Khorzem]]===<br /> <br /> A confederacy of merchant houses banded together in a loose and spread-out &quot;city&quot;, dotted with farmers growing opium poppies and other drugs. <br /> <br /> ===[[Dastarkhan]]===<br /> <br /> Originally a demilitarized zone between Mashriq and Qarsythe, now a thriving little domain and home of the land's best musicians and chefs. <br /> <br /> ===[[Ul'habad]]===<br /> <br /> The mountains of [[Bassij]] open up onto a vast plateau that dead-ends into a two mile vertical drop into the prairie below. Perched on this shelf are the towers of Ul’habad, the worshipful home of priests and mystics from the east of Najjir. <br /> <br /> =Unsettled Tribes=<br /> <br /> ===[[Elves#Dune Elves|Shushan Travelers]]===<br /> <br /> They call themselves Shushan, but the rest of Najjir refers to them as Travelers or [[Elves#Dune Elves|Dune Elves]]. At one time, they dominated northern Najjir but have since been reduced to disconnected nomadic tribes traveling along the circumference of civilization as herders and traders. Though once more numerous, the wandering Shushan fell victim to Najjira's military, economic, and political wrangling as the Najjira spread northward from the desert's heart. As a result, they were steadily displaced or, in some cases, violently put down by human tribes.<br /> <br /> Shushan are often stereotyped as simple camel and sheep herders, but in reality, the dune elves have a culture as old as Amas'kyaa itself. Though they have a shorter lifespan than other elves, it still exceeds that of humans three times over. Their tribes have an intricate system of interconnections and politics, prompting the Traveler expression: “Myself against my brothers; my brothers and I against my cousins; my brothers, cousins and I against the world.” How the Shushan are regarded varies widely depending upon where in the [[Salt Desert]] one happens to find them. Some cities have banned them from entering on pain of immediate execution, while others have small Shushan cantons. [[Mashriq]] especially has seen violent clashes in the past, and the emir of the city has only recently re-admitted the elves into his city. In the south, some settled Shushan communities exist, tending to the vast poppy fields which are a major producer of the area’s opium. <br /> <br /> ===Emshi Nomads===<br /> <br /> Cresting the dunes of Fareedah are the xenophobic tribes of the nomadic Emshi, an old word that literally means &quot;windblown.&quot; Descendants of the final defenders of [[Najjir#History|Amas'kyaa]], they have never reconciled with the new Najjir and remain nomadic and insular to this day. They are divided into tribes of about thirty to fifty people, and all tribes congregate once a year in one oasis for a spiritual holiday.<br /> <br /> Unlike the Shushan, the Emshi dwell almost exclusively in Najjir’s unforgiving interior. Among the hardiest people in Najjir, the Emshi have adapted to the rigors of surviving in the open desert. They know every oasis like the back of their hand, know the signs to a sandstorm, and are taught from an early age tips for surviving in a harsh and unforgiving climate. They freely wander outside the frontier of the cursed ground and make use of relics from the old civilization. A curious cultural custom of the nomads is the fact that men wear headscarves and occasionally veils, but the women do not. Their clothing tends to be of a deep indigo color. <br /> <br /> The attitude of people in settled lands regarding the Emshi varies, but it is mostly one of mistrust and grudging acceptance. Emshi tribesmen are superior guides through Najjir's unforgiving interior and are often paid by caravaners to escort them through the desert safely. There is a high demand for relics from Amas'kyaa and for desert crystal harvested by the Emshi and sold at city bazaars where they make temporary rest stops. Aside from this, their livelihood depends on herding hardy animals such as [[Jilab Sand Hopper|jilab sand hoppers]] and camels. The Emshi have simple gardens set up in some oases and collect crops as needed, with a strict understanding that each tribe may only take what is needed and to not let food and water go to waste.<br /> <br /> The Emshi are the only ethnic group in Najjir which has psychics occasionally born into it at a rate of one to one hundred. Scholars think that this may be due to how close the nomads live to the crystal formations that are the source of their power. Emshi psychics who travel outside the Fareedah lose access to their powers unless they carry a focusing device made out of the local gems.<br /> <br /> ===Buhucha===<br /> <br /> The Najjira people of Buhucha have a more rustic lifestyle than the city-state dwellers of the more northern regions. Yurts are a common structure, and most families have at least several animals that they raise. The traditional wool robes, often brown or off-red, protect against the nighttime cold. Often, families have more than one dwelling, made in different places, for different seasons, even though most dwellers of Buhucha are not truly nomadic. There is agriculture here as well as multiple trading towns that resupply caravans on their long trek south. Many have called Buhucha a blend between [[Khalars|Khalar]], [[Rashnaditz]] and Najjira cultures. Most villages or towns tend to be dominated by members of a single tribe. The tribes of Buhucha have a tradition of cattle rustling and bride-stealing as a facet of inter-village rivalry, and stolen brides often get absorbed into their husbands’ clan.<br /> <br /> =Language=<br /> <br /> ==Ankenah==<br /> <br /> Of all the mystical and scholarly movements in Najjir, none have broader a reach than the philosophy of Ankenah, which unites scribes, linguists, and scientists, even across the deserts. Originally introduced in ancient [[Najjir#History|Amas'kyaa]], modern Najjira people have rediscovered the discipline and expanded upon it.<br /> <br /> Tekhem &quot;Ankenahotep&quot; as-Tyrakhon was perhaps one of the famous Thinkers ever to advise the Pharaoh of Amas'kyaa. Over twelve years of his life, he worked out a system to synthesize the linguistic magic of glyphs, the zodiacal priesthood, and natural philosophy. He gave the system the name &quot;Ankenah,&quot; which means roughly &quot;The Insight,&quot; and wrote a very large book by the same name. Shortly thereafter, people began calling him Ankenahotep or &quot;Great Insight/Source of Insight.&quot;<br /> <br /> Scholars in Amas'kyaa had already discovered the magical properties of glyphs and sigils long ago, but Tyrakhon was the first to propose a “system of everything” based on them. He realized that human beings interface with each other and the world around them using abstract concepts turned into symbols – language, in other words. Everything that humans have created, from pies to pyramids, has started from an abstract mental blueprint that could be translated into linguistic forms. Extrapolating this idea, he decided that the minds of gods must function in the same manner, and that all of creation can be abstracted to an interlocking series of concepts which could then be turned into symbols and translated. Going even further, Tyrakhon realized that there must be a universal language somewhere, the words and sentences of which spell entire world-phenomena and whose rules of grammar define universal laws and magic as it is known. The patterns of the constellations, the wavy arrangement of sand, and the blueprint of the human body were all different encryptions for one master key. The goal became to find this key and translate it into a language that could be used by humans.<br /> <br /> With Amas’kyaa’s collapse, the Ankenah movement fell into obscurity. However, a group of practicing Thinkers retreated to the plateau of [[Ul'habad]], taking with them as much from the imperial archives as they could. There, they formed a quasi-monastic order dedicated to preserving and expanding the Ankenah so that humanity didn’t have to start from scratch in the coming years. Eventually, the Ul’habadi School came to be known as the preeminent authority on Ankenah.<br /> <br /> ===Modern Day===<br /> <br /> Najjir changed over the years, and the Ankenah discipline changed with it. Newer generations of linguists are almost all Menxist. Deity-neutral Ankenah fit very well into Menxism; people saw it as a way to understand the mind of [[Nehed]], who embodies the universal blueprint. More importantly, the alphabetic Najjira language replaced the old glyph language of Amas'kyaa.<br /> <br /> As language became increasingly standardized throughout Najjir and Ankenah gained popularity, most scholars and domain rulers agreed that Najjira should become the universal tongue of art and science. A grand summit was held in Ul'habad where scholars established the official form of High Najjira, and rulers agreed to enforce the purity of the language in an official capacity. Most domains instituted a law that all working scribes and teachers be language-certified from accredited Ankenah institutions in order to practice their trade. The law is not uniformly enforced, however, and many dropouts from Ankenah institutions become illegal scribes who subsist mainly on things like forgery, illegal across nearly all domains (unless the forger works secretly for a nobleman).<br /> <br /> International trade brought Najjira scholars in touch with their counterparts in foreign lands. Since Ankenah values the cumulative insight of sentient-kind, interest in international discoveries swelled. Scribes throughout Najjir mobilized a massive movement to acquire and translate as many foreign works of magical and natural theory as they could obtain. Ankenah mystics have pioneered linguistic magic in order to make learning foreign tongues as efficient as possible. Najjir's ravenous appetite for foreign texts is ever on the rise, and today, Ankenah scholars take all forms. Some are individual, knowledge-obsessed hermits, while others belong to lavish societies of noble figures. Some hold a quill all day, translating texts, and some perform new research and write original treatises. All rulers employ at least one advisor who is discerning in the Language of the Stars.<br /> <br /> [[Category: Countries]]<br /> [[Category: Menxism]]<br /> {{race}}<br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=The_Assi_Creation_Myth&diff=4601 2013-05-06T00:05:34Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>=Legends and Lore of the Assi=<br /> <br /> ==Volume: The Creation of the World==<br /> <br /> ===The Creation Myth, Verse One===<br /> <br /> “So met in the blackness the Mother of Creation (Th) and the Father of Creation (Te). The Father did merge with the Mother and become radiant light. The Mother did merge with the Father and glittered like the stars. The Universe was born.” Th and Te appear in the [[Assi]] myths and legends and consistently symbolize the male and female aspects of nature. The male being violent and changing (the myths never deal with death, only change from one state to another) and the female being a universal life force, or the fabric of creation as it is some times called (the world and universe are almost always referred to as &quot;Creation&quot;). It should be noted that while the universe was created, the actual world comes along much later in the time line--from six to eight thousand years later, according to some Ietsai. <br /> <br /> ===The Creation Myth, Verse Two===<br /> <br /> The Builders. “So it was that the Mother and the Father did bring forth four children to perfect their unity and give it meaning. They were two sons and two daughters. The sons Gaei and Saei and the daughters Maei and Aaei. So Gaei shaped the Mother into the Earth, and so Saei shaped the Father into the Sun. So did Maei and Aaei nurture the earth and bring forth life. So did the world come to be.” Gaei, Saei, Maei and Aaei represent Earth and Fire, the male elements, and Water and Air, the female elements. It is the four &quot;Builders&quot; who are actually credited with the creation of the earth and the birth of the gods. They also tend to be held in a higher regard than any other gods. <br /> <br /> ===The Creation Myth, Verse Three &amp; Four===<br /> <br /> The Children of the Builders and the Stewards. This verse is a pedigree of the gods descended from the creators. Following the Creation of the world, the four Builders set to populating a race of &quot;Custodians&quot; to watch over the world. Gaei wed Maei, and Saei wed Aaei. Their descendants are as follows: Gaei &amp; Maei: Ath (AH-th), Eth (EH-th), Ith (IE-th), Oth (OH-th), Uth (YOU-th); all female. Saei &amp; Aaei: At (AT), Et (EH-t), It (IE-t), Ot (OH-t), Ut (YOU-t); all male. The second part of the verse is devoted to the powers which each of the ten children chose. <br /> <br /> Name: Ath.<br /> Gender: Female.<br /> Symbol/Spirit: The Oak.<br /> Gemstone: Emerald.<br /> Dominates: Knowledge and Wisdom, Protection <br /> <br /> Name: At.<br /> Gender: Male.<br /> Symbol/Spirit: The Wolf.<br /> Gemstone: Ruby. <br /> Dominates: Hunting and Harvests, as well as Luck <br /> <br /> Name: Eth.<br /> Gender: Female.<br /> Symbol/Spirit: The Reed.<br /> Gemstone: Coral.<br /> Dominates: Lakes, streams, rivers and seas. Life and Healing. <br /> <br /> Name: Et. <br /> Gender: Male.<br /> Symbol/Spirit: The Falcon.<br /> Gemstone: Sapphire.<br /> Dominates: The Future, Time and the Winds. <br /> <br /> Name: Ith.<br /> Gender: Female.<br /> Symbol/Spirit: The Maple.<br /> Gemstone: Agate.<br /> Dominates: Sleep and Dreams. <br /> <br /> Name: It.<br /> Gender: Male.<br /> Symbol/Spirit: The Horse.<br /> Gemstone: Turquoise.<br /> Dominates: Speed and Endurance. <br /> <br /> Name: Oth.<br /> Gender: Female.<br /> Symbol/Spirit: The Redwood.<br /> Gemstone: Granite.<br /> Dominates: Mystery and Law. The strength of nature. <br /> <br /> Name: Ot.<br /> Gender: Male.<br /> Symbol/Spirit: The Newt.<br /> Gemstone: Jet.<br /> Dominates: Change, Death, The Dead.<br /> <br /> Name: Uth.<br /> Gender: Female.<br /> Symbol/Spirit: The Elder.<br /> Gemstone: Amber.<br /> Dominates: Fertility and Rebirth. <br /> <br /> Name: Ut.<br /> Gender: Male.<br /> Symbol/Spirit: The Sparrow.<br /> Gemstone: Jade.<br /> Dominates: Music and Song, History and Joy. <br /> <br /> At some point during the height of [[Assi]] power these beings went from being worshiped as Gods to being worshiped as animal spirits. In the following verse the Gods themselves wed and produced children known as the Stewards. They were to watch over the earth. When the gods &quot;Grew tired of their flesh they transcended into spirit leaving their power in their stones of worship. They did leave the stones of power to their children to watch over creation.&quot; That passage sums up, in a nutshell, the transfer from gods to the near-mortal Stewards. The &quot;Stones of Power&quot; are the gemstones listed with each god or goddess. <br /> <br /> ===The Creation Myth, Verse Five===<br /> <br /> The Coming of Man. “So it was that the stewards took up the power left to them by the children of the builders and did make war upon each other. They did rend the earth and mar creation. So it came to pass that a flaming star fell to earth. From it stepped man. He held in one hand the flaming heart of the father and in the other the icy heart of the mother. He did wipe the earth clean of the stewards and claim all the world for himself.” It is unclear why the Stewards made war on each other, or where the Man came from, as both details are not elaborated much upon in any of the legends told. However, the Heart of the Mother and the Heart of the Father are two very legendary artifacts (along with the Stones of Power) which appear from time to time in later legends. The entire verse is quite cryptic, and there is much symbolism to be drawn from it.<br /> <br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Assi_Religion&diff=4600 2013-05-06T00:05:12Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox<br /> |title = Assi Mysticism<br /> <br /> |image = [[image:Woolly.jpg|200px]]<br /> |headerstyle = background:#C3C3C3;<br /> |labelstyle = background:#DEDEDE;<br /> <br /> |header1 = Religion Information<br /> |label2 = Type<br /> |data2 = Mysticism<br /> |label3 = Deity(ies) Worshipped<br /> |data3 = [[Assi Religion#Totems|Totems]]<br /> |label4 = Regional Origins<br /> |data4 = [[Assi]]<br /> |label5 = Symbol<br /> |data5 = Various<br /> }}<br /> <br /> =Ietsai Quoted=<br /> <br /> The [[Assi]] legends and rituals are oral, therefore making it difficult to find intact written versions regarding the history of their religion and any legends or myths. The bulk of the following information has been gathered from interviews conducted with several Ietsai, or Assi mystics. <br /> <br /> &quot;We are a people who rely on nature. Guidance and protection spring from nature. Which in turn spring from the river. The river is sacred to us as a source of life. Life is sacred, and so is death. The universe was created in an act of death, that brought forth life. Birth speaks to death, and death to birth.&quot; Life and Death are often refereed to as male and female. Generally the Assi language is thought to be limited in this area.<br /> <br /> &quot;Nature comes in four parts. Each equally important and each balanced by one another. Air, Water, Fire and Earth hold the universe together and make it be. We (the Ietsai) strive to keep the four elements balanced and insure prosperity. By reading the signs and omens we can tell when it is out of balance and when to perform what ceremonies to correct it.&quot;<br /> <br /> =The Elements=<br /> <br /> The theme of elemental balance repeats itself in [[Assi]] culture. Each season is assigned a corresponding element which is strongest at that time and weakest just before it. During that time rituals are performed to keep that element in balance with the others. Air is assigned to winter, water to spring, fire to summer, and earth to fall. <br /> <br /> The Ietsai are divided into four specific orders, each devoted to a different element and each with certain responsibilities. Ietsai devoted to water concern themselves with agriculture. They know the rituals to bring the spring rains and keep their land fertile. They also concern themselves with the marriage rituals though any order can perform them. Ietsai devoted to air watch the skies; they concern themselves with weather and with reading the stars. They are the ones who know how to read the many signs and omens of the land, and are well known for their wisdom. Ietsai devoted to earth are skilled in healing. They know and respect the flora, and know which herbs to use to heal a variety of injuries. Ietsai devoted to fire tend to the concerns of men, they know all the battle rituals well and also serve as sacrifices (sacrifice only used in time of need such as during drought or famine). Ietsai of fire are trained to deal with death as well, and are schooled in all the death rituals.<br /> <br /> =Totems=<br /> <br /> The [[Assi]] do not worship &quot;gods&quot; or &quot;deities&quot; in any traditional sense but rather worship aspects or totems of creation. The male aspect of creation (fire, air, change, and death are examples of this) is commonly represented by certain animals or animal spirits while the female aspect (water, earth, creation and life for example) is commonly represented by various trees (oaks chief among them, as the river valley is dotted with them). Some common animals or spirits are: The Bear(strength), Fox(cleverness), Hare(fertility), Stag(freedom), Bull(war), Horse(endurance), Newt(change), Snake(trickery and cleverness), Beaver(creation, prosperity), and Hawk(war).<br /> <br /> =Holy Places=<br /> <br /> The [[Assi]] holy places are sacred amongst the tribesmen, such that they will not allow outsiders near them. They are found in two forms. <br /> <br /> The first is a standard shrine or &quot;Temai (TEH-my)&quot; which consists of a several oaks growing in a small grove. These groves are and have been tended carefully for centuries and can be found near any tribe's settlement. Some scholars of the arcane believe that some sort of ley lines run through these groves. Weather the groves were placed there because of that, the ley lines were some how created, or if they ever existed at all is a hotly debated point. <br /> <br /> The second type of holy place is something more akin to a temple. There are four of them in existence: one at the source of the Nie, one at the furthest end of the [[Assi]] lands, and on the river. They appear to be small natural bowls, with stone pillars placed around them and numerous carvings inside them. Supposedly the Ietsai use this as a sort of calendar, telling by the shadows the pillars cast what stars are in what position that night. These &quot;calendars&quot; are critical for the Ietsai to know when to perform specific rituals. There are also chambers located directly below these &quot;calendars&quot;, carved out of the earth, or in caves and sheltered spots eroded by the river. Nobody has been able to get close enough to tell for sure.<br /> <br /> =The Mystics=<br /> <br /> All this only adds to the mystique of the Ietsai, which are pivotal figures in [[Assi]] society. Few posses the intelligence to pursue this path, and even fewer are born into it. The share the same social standing and powers as the chieftains among the tribes, and could become chiefs if they so desired. Rather than assume that role, however, they are content to advise. They share their wisdom with other tribesman, settling disputes, offering advice, and acting as advisors to chieftains. Without the Ietsai, [[Assi]] culture would almost surely perish.<br /> <br /> =Artifacts=<br /> <br /> The legendary Artifacts of the Gods. The Assi believe that these objects were created by the gods and imbued with some of their power. They are held sacred by the Assi people. The whereabouts of these objects is not known to outsiders.<br /> <br /> ==The Heart of the Mother== <br /> <br /> The Heart of the Mother, referring to the &quot;Mother of Creation&quot; or the &quot;Mother of the Universe&quot; or just simply the Universe, is a large smooth crystal sphere (almost certainly a diamond of immeasurable worth). It is large enough to fit in the palm of a person's hand, according to legend. It is reputed to be constantly cold, even when brought into contact with a great heat or when held for a long time. It represents the female side of creation as the &quot;Mother of Creation&quot; did in the early legends. It's power is always strongest when brought close to the Heart of the Father. It is almost exclusively used by women in legend. <br /> <br /> ==The Heart of the Father==<br /> <br /> The Heart of the Father, referring to the &quot;Father of Creation&quot; or the &quot;Father of Light&quot; or just simply the Universe, is a large smooth golden gem (possibly some sort of sun stone or yellow diamond). According to legend it is about the size of a man's heart, making it larger than the Heart of the Mother, and constantly glows with a pale inner light. It is reputed to be constantly warm, even when brought into great cold. It represents the male side of creation as the &quot;Father of Creation&quot; did in the early legends. It's power always increases when it is brought near it's female counterpart, which causes it's reputed glow to intensify. It is used exclusively in legend by men, most notable of instances when the legendary hero Yalathulzi contested with the clever God At for the secret of fire. <br /> <br /> ==The Heart of the Oak==<br /> <br /> The Heart of the Oak, also known as ''Ath's Gem, the Truth Gem, the Stone of Knowledge.'' Ath's stone of power is a flawless emerald approximately the size of a man's head and crystal clear. It is said that whoever stares into it's depths will know the truth of a situation, and sometimes even view the future. This gem is reportedly held at Ietsai Temple at the mid point on the Nie River. I was not able to venture close enough to their temple to see if the rumors are true or not. <br /> <br /> ==The Wolf's Eye==<br /> <br /> The Wolf's Eye, also known as ''At's Gem, the Flaming Fist.'' At's stone of power is smaller than his female counterpart's gem. It is a ruby about the size of a large pebble. It is a regular oval in shape and totally flawless save a orange stripe down the middle, giving it the appearance of an eye. It is rumored that the holder of this stone gains uncanny good luck. Some legends also tell of the ability to see through the most clever of riddles and ruses as well as the power to control and command fire. It is unknown where this gem lies but it is believed to lie in a Rondisian King's tomb, and was taken during the first major war with Arangoth and Rondis. <br /> <br /> ==The Wand of Eth==<br /> <br /> The Wand of Eth, also known as ''Eth's Tooth, the Miracle Stone.'' Eth's stone of power is a long thin piece of pale pink coral that has been polished into a rounded shape. It is reported to be able to heal any wounds or illnesses in the body or mind of the person it touches. It is reported to have sunk to the ocean floor in antiquity, before the Rondis wars. <br /> <br /> ==The Falcon's Egg==<br /> <br /> The Falcon's Egg, also known as ''Et's Star, the Gem of the Heavens.'' Et's stone of power is star sapphire about the size and shape of a chicken's egg. It is crystal clear and like Ath's Gem, people who look deep into it's depths are rewarded with visions of the future and solutions to problems. It is also rumored to be able to control the weather as well. It is supposedly guarded by the Falcon Spirit, Et, atop a gigantic nameless peak somewhere. Et only allows the purest of spirit with the gravest of needs to look upon the gem. <br /> <br /> ==The Dream Stone==<br /> <br /> The Dream Stone, also known as ''Ith's Puzzle, the Rainbow Stone, the Dreamer's Stone.'' Ith's stone is one of the two most ordinary stones of power. It is a crimson and azure banded agate that from the outside appears as an ordinary rock. Those who know the truth about the stone, though, see it as a large polished agate with vivid bands of crimson, azure pale blue, and pale green in it. Those who sleep within a close proximity to the stone have the power to control their dreams and the dreams of others. The location of this stone is unknown, and according to legend could be right under someone's nose. It was hidden by Ith during a legendary contest and never found. <br /> <br /> ==It's Talisman==<br /> <br /> It's Talisman, also known as ''the Messenger's Stone, the Heart of the Stallion.'' It's stone of power is a palm-sized smoothly polished Turquoise. It is flat and rounded and has carved into it three waved lines, symbolizing the mane of a horse. It is said that whoever posses this stone will have inexhaustible endurance and speed. It's location is unknown but is believed to be in the possession of the &quot;Horse People&quot; somewhere in the north. <br /> <br /> ==Oth's Altar==<br /> <br /> Oth's Altar, also known as '''the Standing Stone, the Immovable Stone.'' Oth's stone is a pillar of smoothly polished granite approximately five feet tall and eight feet long. It bears no carvings and cannot be moved from where it sits, on a legendary fog-shrouded island somewhere in the south surrounded by a stand of ancient redwoods. Legend has it that one kneeling before the stone or touching it will be granted the strength to correct injustices and the wisdom to solve the most complex of riddles and problems. <br /> <br /> ==Ot's Medallion==<br /> <br /> Ot's Medallion, also known as ''the Black Stone of Ot, the Dead Stone.'' Ot's stone is a polished Jet, which a deep and perfect black. It is about the size and shape of a gold coin and is surrounded with a wrought iron newt. Legend has it that one can use this stone to communicate with the spirits and souls of the dead, and possibly command the dead to come to the world of the living (usually with an ironic twist). Outside of Assi culture it is viewed as an object of extreme evil, which it is, supposedly, not. It was reportedly taken by the Arangothian forces during the first war with Arangoth and Rondis. <br /> <br /> ==Uth's Star==<br /> <br /> Uth's Star, also known as ''the Radiant Sun, the Golden Star.'' Uth's stone of power is a polished, and flawless amber the size of a fist. It supposedly gives off a constant and pleasant warmth and light. Legend has it that when it is used in conjunction with Ot's Medallion it can return the dead to life. It is said to have been buried with Uranadathai in a stand of oaks deep in the Elgar Forest. According to legend it brought Uranadathai back as a stag who roams woods around the world to this day. <br /> <br /> ==Ut's Stone== <br /> <br /> Ut's Stone, also known as ''the Song Stone.'' Ut's stone of power is a triangular piece of jade with the picture of a song bird carved on it. According to legend whoever holds it gains the ability to beautifully sing one's foes to sleep. This stone is supposedly in the possession of &quot;the people from across the sea.&quot; <br /> <br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Alouism&diff=4599 2013-05-06T00:04:57Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Alouism''' is a monotheistic religion which has its roots among the [[Teldanar]]i and is heavily present in offshoot populations of the Teldanari, including the [[Ellurian West Teldanari|Etenari]] and the [[West Teldanari]]. It centers on honoring of the deity [[Alou]] and its compassion, but also emphasizes personal growth and striving towards excellence.<br /> <br /> ==Sacred text==<br /> The Teldanari have never written down the sacred text, instead preferring to pass it by mouth to their children as they grow. This task is usually delegated to the Teldanari Nisaad, the religious leaders.<br /> <br /> Some communities, including the Etenari, have turned the story of Alou into a song. This song is sung at different times of the day, and is long enough to be broken into parts for specific contemplations. The Etenari Nisaad (priests among the Etenari) often add new stanzas which are then widely circulated. If they are not taken up popularly, it is assumed that they were not touched (made perfect) by Alou, and they are thus abandoned.<br /> <br /> ===Creation story===<br /> ====Before====<br /> There was sand in the beginning, and sand was all that was.<br /> And the sand took the form of a body with no face, and this was Alou, made from everything and all that was.<br /> And Alou created water, and mixed it with the sand and the blood of Alou, and bade it breathe, and it did. And this was Man, the one creative action of Alou, who does not create any longer, but maintains.<br /> ====Primal Man creates all that is====<br /> And Man acted after the actions of Alou, gathering sand and blood and creating a great many things. Alou, fond of its creation and amused by the game, perfected these creations of Man. And they were animals. <br /> And Alou, after the pleading of Man, perfected the waters and lakes and plants, and laid these across the great expanse of sands. And this was the world.<br /> “Now”, said Alou, “We are finished.”<br /> And man pleaded to be part of its creation, so enamored of this thing. And Alou, understanding wholeism to be the essence of all that is, consented. But Alou forbade man to create any further, for the work was complete, and things created by the hands of man and not made good by Alou are poisonous and destructive.<br /> ====Perfection of Creation, and Failure of Creation====<br /> And it was good for a time, and Man was happy. But soon it missed the act of creation. Taking up the wheel of Alou, Man spun a great many things-<br /> Sickness, cold, hunger, sexes, pride, jealousy, age<br /> And tried to make these things beautiful as Alou had. But being created by the hands of man and not perfected by Alou, these things ran rampant on the world, and destroyed many of the beautiful things that Alou had wrought. They changed the nature of Man, corrupting it- and Man became men and women and sages and crones and boys and girls, and divided into many separate kinds. And they changed the nature of all that existed, creating children and adults and elderly even in plants and animals. <br /> Alou, seeing that mankind was flawed beyond repair, decided to remove this chaotic element from the work and repair all else. Alou reigned in the new creations of Man, but did not destroy them, for it planned great and new things for these elements in other worlds. <br /> ====The Hunting of Man by Alou and the Revelation of Perfection====<br /> And then Alou hunted man.<br /> Man took up the veil, pretending to be dust, to hide from the hands of Alou, that Man might survive the punishment.<br /> And Alou killed almost all men. Man was not a race anymore, but a dozen. And then a pair. And Alou came to the last man, raising a hand to erase it from existence- but it saw that in the hand of this man was something beautiful and perfect indeed. Alou saw love there in the hands of the child Man, pure and unadulterated- and Alou knew that at least one kind of Man was not flawed beyond repair.<br /> ====Creation of the World As It Is====<br /> And Alou, understanding wholeism to be the essence of all that is, wrought many more of Man, decreeing that all the kinds were one kind, and that the changing kinds of man and beast and plant would persist, for at least one kind of them was capable of perfection And there were seasons to all that was, so that creation turns on itself like the dunes in the wind. <br /> And Alou, understanding wholeism to be the essence of all that is, left the creations of man in the world. And it was good.<br /> <br /> ==Alouism in Practice==<br /> Alouist people wear long veils to cover their entire bodies. Men and women do this generally starting at round 13 years of age. They do this to remind themselves of the power and mercy of Alou.<br /> <br /> Etenari people have certain dietary restrictions which are religiously based, as well. No Etenari person will eat eggs or young animals. Breads among the Etenari are bound with chia instead, and Etenari people eat only the flesh of adult animals. This is because children were the ones proven to be closest to Perfection, and out of deference to this, the Etenari refrain from destroying children of any kind.<br /> <br /> <br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Alesian_Religion&diff=4598 2013-05-06T00:04:46Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox Religion<br /> | name = Alesian Pantheon<br /> | image = <br /> | alt = <br /> | caption = <br /> <br /> | type = Polytheistic<br /> | deity1 = Jornos<br /> | deity2 = <br /> | deity3 =<br /> | deity4 =<br /> | deity5 =<br /> | deity6 =<br /> | regional_origins = [[Alesian Imperium]]<br /> | practiced_in = Alesian Imperium, Bahija, Elluria<br /> | symbol = <br /> }}<br /> <br /> [[Alesian Imperium|Alesian]] religion is polytheistic, with Jornos the Starfire, birther of the world, as the head of the pantheon. Whether or not Jornos created the world is a subject of debate in other cultures who have their own religions, but among Alesians such heresy is punishable by death in the gladiatorial pits. The Alesian Emperor is the head of the state religion, and High Priest of Jornos. All male members of the Imperial family are priests of Jornos by dint of birth, and all female members are likewise priestesses of Filandria. Some take these responsibilities more seriously than others. Since the involvement of the Alesians in the Southlands Wars and the subsequent creation of Alesian-controlled [[Elluria]], there have been efforts to identify Jornos with the Ellurian chief deity Gitaro, and syncretize the two pantheons and religions.<br /> <br /> =Deities=<br /> <br /> ==Chief Deities==<br /> '''Jornos''' the Starfire, the Celestial Emperor, birther of the world.(head of the pantheon, father of the gods, creator of the cosmos, giver of life, Lord of the Sun, the Moons, and the Stars.) Priests of Jornos wear the Star of Jornos, an eight pointed star made of silver or gold and often set with gemstones, as a symbol of religious and temporal authority. For the daily religious rituals, a sleeveless, knee length open robe of imperial blue is worn over the priest's usual attire (usually a hooded robe of imperial blue for those in Charnath). Crowns or skullcaps are the appropriate headgear. For important observances, the priest wears a silver brocade robe with a sash of imperial blue around the waist. Over the robe, the priest wears a fur-trimmed hooded cowl of Imperial blue that drapes over the shoulders and hangs down to the elbows. Over this, the priest may wear a great cape of imperial blue with a silver lining, which is long enough to trail on the ground. The cape may be elaborately decorated with embroidery, gems, and other adornments. The Emperor's cape is so heavy with adornments that it requires two attendants to walk behind him and carry it. The Star of Jornos is always worn for any religious function, and some rites require that the priest carry a scepter or ceremonial weapon as well. <br /> <br /> '''Filandria''' the Celestial Emperess, consort of Jornos, the matriarch of the gods.(wisdom, aristocracy, grace, beauty.) All female members of the Imperial family are priestesses of Filandria, with the Empress as High Priestess. Attire for religious rituals consists of a gown made from a single piece of white cloth (most frequently linen or silk) woven with gold and silver threads, elaborately wrapped and draped. The dress is pinned in place with a silver brooch in the shape of the Star of Jornos worn on the left shoulder. Unmarried women wear a veil over their heads while in the temple; married women wear elaborate headdresses. All are bedecked heavily with gold and jewels in proportion to their standing within the Imperial House.<br /> <br /> ==Other Deities==<br /> <br /> '''Azaera''' Windwalker, Bringer of the Rains. (Sky, wind, rain, travellers). Portrayed as free-spirited (and at times flighty), depicted as a winged maiden with a spear, or as snow-white hawk. The clergy of the Windwalker prefer flowing garments of white or sky blue, often adorned with white feathers. Priests wear hawk-shaped masks, and priestesses wear elaborate feathered headdresses for solemnities. Prelates both male and female carry ceremonial spears with a silver shaft and a golden head.<br /> <br /> '''Delanis''' the Matron, patroness of the family, Handmaid of Filandria.(Love, Birth, Children, Marriage, Healing.) While Jornos and Filandria represent the epitome of Alesian aristocracy, Delanis and Grenadias represent the epitome of common Alesian family life. Their worship is extremely popular among the Alesian peasantry, particularly among farmers. The Matron's priestesses dress like the clergy of Filandria, though on a much simpler scale. The gowns and veils are ordinary linen or wool, and jewelry is rarely worn. In their daily employment as healers and midwives, the clerics of Delanis simply wear their holy symbols on a leather thong around their necks, which resembles the outline of a house with a fire inside. <br /> <br /> '''Grenadias''' the Tiller, patron of farmers and those who deal in agriculture.(Farmers, butchers, caravaners) Grenadias is the embodiment of the yeoman farmer - quiet and humble of heart, devoted to his family. He is one of the most benevolent of the Alesian deities. Almost all farms have a shrine to Grenadias (a small stone or wooden structure with a statue or mosaic of Grenadias inside), and farmers offer the first fruits of their harvest to the Tiller each year. Since many of Grenadias's religious rituals are performed outdoors, their dress tends toward the practical. Clergy for the tiller favor robes of green and brown, often adorned with plant or animal motifs. Priests of Grenadias carry flasks filled with consecrated whiskey or beer for blessings.<br /> <br /> '''Hepheran''' the Eternal Warrior, patron of the legions. (War, Duty, Courage) Alesian mythology holds that Hepheran was originally a dwarven deity, and was adopted into the Alesian pantheon after Orglok's rebellion. Each Falvarniok (legion) of the Alesian army adopts an aspect of Hepheran as their sacred totem. Hepheran is a soldier's god rather than a warrior's god, emphasizing discipline and cohesive tactics over personal glory. Most of the clergy of the Eternal Warrior are either current or retired Hevarniok in the legions. For religious rituals, they wear their Hevarnin's armor and carry a holy mace. Their normal white tabard may be replaced by one with an embroidered emblem of the Falvarniok's totem or other religious symbol on important holy days. The Ve-Hevarnin of a Falvarniok may wear a brocaded tabard set with jewels for religious observances, but never in battle.<br /> <br /> '''Llarm''' the Greeter of the Dead, Judge of Souls, Steward of the Celestial Palace.(Death, judgement, closure, protection.) Priests of the Greeter dress in white and purple for religious functions, and their dress is often a stylized version of attire worn by civil officials. Many wear medallions, signet rings, and other signs of authority since Llarm is said to be the steward of Jornos' Celestial Palace and the judge of souls. The Gatekeepers, a militant order dedicated to eradicating necromancers and the undead, carry blessed swords at all times. In their daily duty, Gatekeepers wear white headbands or armbands, embroidered with wards against the undead in purple silk thread. <br /> <br /> '''Rynia''' Goldenhair, Lady of Fortune. (Commerce, wealth, merchants, luck) Rynia's faith is enjoying a period of growth, thanks to the Imperium's rising merchant class. Several large temples to the Lady of Fortune have been built in port cities in the Imperium in the past few decades. Rynia is said to be the wife of Ultros. Rynia is the patron deity of Bahija.<br /> <br /> '''Serathe''' the Springmaiden. Daughter of Grenadias. (Spring, youth, Represents wild nature, as opposed to her agriculturally inclined father.) Depicted as either a child or a young maiden, barefoot, and with leaves or flowers in her hair. Many Alesians pray to the Springmaiden for a short and mild winter, and an early return of spring. Priests of the Springmaiden dress similarly to the clergy of Grenadias, and often wear wreathes of leaves or garlands of flowers on their heads. They carry flasks of springwater for blessings. <br /> <br /> '''Theorus''', the God-Emperor. (public servants, law) Took on the form of a human to teach mankind and prepare them for the future conflict with the orcs. Founder of Charnath and first Emperor, from whom all subsequent emperors have claimed descent. Theorus is the Emperor's official title.<br /> <br /> '''Ultros''' the Stone One, patron of the artisan and the architect. (Workers, artists, builders, miners)<br /> <br /> '''Yilvor''' the Thunderer, render of the land, flooder of the rivers. (Storms, natural disasters, the ocean) Yilvor is more feared that loved by most Alesians, who believe him to be the herald of Jornos's anger. His worship is most popular among the seafaring Granarians, who have large temples to the Thunderer in all their port cities. Shrines and temples to Yilvor contain deep pools into which sailors cast a coin for safe passage before leaving on a sea voyage. <br /> <br /> '''Vashra''', She Who Sees All. Wife of Hepheran, Mistress of Magic, the Divine Oracle. (magic, knowledge, prophecy, music) Vashra's Songs hold together the four basic elements of creation. Alesian wizards cast spells by adding lyrics to Vashra's melodies. There are several branches of Vashra's clergy including an order of Inquisitors who hunt rogue magic users, an all-female order of Oracles, and a society of Skalds.<br /> <br /> ==Traitor Deities==<br /> Alesians believe that the chief deities of the orcs of the Shadowlands were once part of Jornos's household, but were banished by the Starfire for an attempted coup. Their worship is outlawed in the Imperium, and any adherents they might have among the humans of the Imperium must carefully hide their allegiance. <br /> <br /> '''Orglok''', the King of Pain and Lord of Traitors. (Chaos, Destruction, Lawlessness, Suffering, Torture, Necromancy.) Also the chief god of the Orcish pantheon. Enemies of the state are frequently accused of worshipping Orglok in secret. Orglok is said to have been original Alesian war god, but was expelled from the pantheon for attempting to usurp Jornos' throne.<br /> <br /> '''Arkala''' the Poisoned Seductress, Mistress of Frost, the Perverse One, Queen of Whores. (Disease, Decay, Deception, Poison, Assassination, Seduction, Manipulation) Patroness of corruption in all its forms, Arkala is Orglok's consort and the mother of demons. Arkala is believed to steal the life from the land with the onset of winter<br /> <br /> =Mythology=<br /> ==The Creation Myth==<br /> ===The Origins of the Cosmos===<br /> For untold ages, Jornos sat alone in his halls on his throne, contemplating in silence. None save the Great Emperor himself knows for how long, for how can time be measured before the sun and moon marked the days and years? And no one save the Starfire himself knows whence he came, or whence his halls.<br /> <br /> Some say that he always was as he is now. Some say that another had created him. Others believe that he simply willed himself into being. Such a secret is not for mortal minds to know.<br /> <br /> When at last Jornos roused himself from his musings, he stretched forth his hands, flooding his halls with the fullness of his power and majesty. Even the vast corridors and chambers of the Celestial Palace could not contain his splendor, and his supremacy spilled forth into the darkness beyond the shining walls. Thus it was that the cosmos came into being. Even after the glory of Jornos had receded an echo remained, though it did not have any form yet.<br /> <br /> Jornos lowered his hands even as the energy still vibrated at the tips of his fingers. He lifted his head and opened his eyes, and was astounded by what he saw. Filandria, unmatched in stately beauty and graceful bearing, stood before him, clothed in the shining light of Jornos' very splendor. Though he had not intended to make another, he rejoiced for he had grown weary of his solitude. And Jornos loved Filandria, and from his love Delanis came into being. Jornos took Filandria for his wife and crowned her as his Celestial Empress, fashioning for her a crown resplendent with innumerable glittering gems such as the mortal world has never seen.<br /> <br /> Filandria bore Jornos many children, the first of whom was Orglok, then Llarm. Vashra, Ultros, Yilvor, Azaera, Grenadias, Theorus, and all the others followed afterward. Delanis served as midwife to Filandria, and afterward as nurse to the children of Jornos.<br /> <br /> ===The Shaping of the World===<br /> When the sons and daughters of Jornos had grown, the Starfire called them before his golden throne. He unfolded before them the idea he had conceived in his aeons of contemplation, and bid his children to carry out his designs. He assured them that each would have their part, though he did not make all his plans known at this time so that his children might not leave their first works poorly wrought in haste to begin work on greater splendors.<br /> <br /> He chose Orglok, Ultros, Yilvor, and Azaera to be the first to venture beyond the walls of the Celestial Palace and shape the universe as their father had instructed them. The four went forth into the formless abyss and brought order, sculpting it according to the will of Jornos.<br /> <br /> Orglok was given dominion over fire, for he was headstrong and impetuous. To Ultros went dominion over earth, for he was himself steadfast and unmovable as a mountain. To Yilvor went water, for though he was slow to anger, his wrath was terrible when roused. And to Azaera, the ever free-spirited dancer, dominion over wind was granted.<br /> <br /> It was in this first ordering of creation that Orglok first became jealous of his father's power. He resented that he and his siblings toiled while their father merely watched from his throne. This bitterness grew because Jornos had forbidden them to do either more or less than he commanded. Orglok wished to do as he pleased, and shape creation according to his whim. As the firstborn of Jornos' children, he felt slighted in the dominion granted to him by his father. It seemed to him that fire had a smaller role in their labors than the others, for he did not know all that his father intended. But he hid his jealousy, and said nothing of his thoughts to anyone. The fire burned in his belly, and his anger simmered in secret.<br /> <br /> Thus it was that sea, land, and sky were separated from one another. The mountains were raised up and the valleys carved out, and the courses of the rivers were plotted as Jornos intended. The boundaries of lakes and seas were marked off, and the earth was filled with metals and gems. Still, save for the rushing of the waters and the whisper of the winds, all was silent and lifeless.<br /> <br /> Their tasks completed, the four returned to their father's palace and presented themselves before him. Jornos was greatly pleased and gave his approval, commending his children for all they had done. At that time he sent Vashra forth into the silent world to bind the work of the four together with her Songs, and she wove her potent melodies throughout all of creation.<br /> <br /> Orglok's resentment was mollified by his father's praise, and for a time seemed to forget his grudge. This did not to last long, for he soon discovered that Jornos had made his brother Llarm steward of the Celestial Palace while he was absent. He was stirred to anger and sought out his brother, accusing Llarm of trying to steal his place as firstborn.<br /> <br /> &quot;What cause have you for jealousy, brother? Were you not the first of those chosen by our father to go beyond the walls of the Palace?&quot; Llarm questioned his elder brother, tilting his head to the side. &quot;And were you not given dominion to shape the world, while I remained here within these walls? You say you envy me, but my duties keep me as a prisoner here. I do not know whether I shall ever set foot into the world beyond, so do not be so rash to accuse me. Because you are my brother, I shall forgive this slight, but it shall not be so if you dare to call me thief again.&quot;<br /> <br /> Orglok, silenced by Llarm's words, left his brother's presence. But ever after there was enmity between them, and they were never fully reconciled. Now Orglok had greatly desired Delanis, though he had told no one of his feelings. During his toils, his thoughts often turned toward her, and had resolved to claim her hand after returning to the Palace. And so, still stinging from his brother's rebuke, he sought her out. When he came to her chamber, however, he found her playing with two small children, twin girls. Thinking them Filandria's children, he said, &quot;Well, I see that my father has not been idle while I labored! Who are my new sisters?&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;Nay, my Lord,&quot; she replied, &quot;These are not your mother's children, but mine. Their names are Arkala and Serathe.&quot;<br /> <br /> He was filled with rage upon hearing that Delanis had born children to another, but concealed it with a false smile. He complimented Delanis on the beauty of her daughters and asked who their father was, expecting to hear that Llarm had usurped him a second time. He was much surprised to hear that it was Grenadias, for he was quiet and humble of heart, and plain in appearance in comparison to his siblings. But it seemed now to Orglok that Grenadias had deceived him, and had been waiting for an opportunity to steal his heart's desire from him. And then, still smiling and speaking sweet words, he inquired about his brother's whereabouts, saying that he wanted to congratulate him.<br /> <br /> While the four were about their business, Jornos had summoned Grenadias and unfolded more of his plan to his son. Grenadias was so overjoyed by what he heard that he pleaded with his father to begin his work early to add to the beauty of the Celestial Palace.<br /> <br /> The Starfire consented, and Grenadias labored long and hard to create the famous Celestial Gardens, whose beauty is unmatched in the mortal realms. It was in these gardens that Orglok found his brother. He was not yet so hard of heart that he was unmoved by its beauty, and indeed, Orglok forgot his anger for a moment and marveled at his brother's work.<br /> <br /> He wandered amongst the first trees and flowers, until he found Grenadias tending to a seedling. At once the anger returned and he berated his brother sharply, hurling many curses and vile insults at the Tiller. Grenadias was at first greatly troubled and confused by his brother's anger, though he would not be goaded into a fight. Orglok's heart was not yet so blackened that he could strike down his brother, who would make no move to defend himself, nor even return the harsh words. Therefore he stormed away in anger, and left Grenadias alone in his garden again.<br /> <br /> Grenadias was again summoned before Jornos, and was commanded to begin his work as he had been instructed. He returned to his wife and daughters, and bid them farewell.<br /> <br /> Now, Serathe was greatly attached to her father, and could not bear to be separated from him for long. When she learned that he would be leaving, she wept and begged to go with him. At length, Grenadias gave in and brought his daughter before Jornos to ask the Starfire's permission to bring his daughter with him. Jornos consented, and father and daughter went forth together. Grenadias labored for a long time to bring forth every plant that grows upon the earth, though they would not grow as they had in the Celestial Palace despite his efforts.<br /> <br /> The Tiller returned to his father and explained his difficulty. Jornos had foreseen this problem, and gave Grenadias one of the torches from his throne room to bring the divine light of the Celestial Palace to the world. However, even this small portion of the light was too powerful for mortal world, and thus Jornos made it to rise and to set at intervals so that the whole of the world was not scorched beneath the power of its rays. And ever afterward, Jornos would cast forth the torch of the sun across the sky each morning, and take it back into his throne room at night.<br /> <br /> So the world would not be devoid of his light while the sun was within the Celestial Palace, Jornos pried two great pearls from his throne and set them in the sky. They illuminated the earth with their pale glow, for they shone just from having been in contact with Jornos' throne.<br /> <br /> Greenery sprouted from the earth and blossomed, and Grenadias was pleased until he saw that plants would only grow near streams and rivers, for they needed water. Grenadias went before his father once more to explain his difficulty. Jornos summoned Yilvor and Azaera, and bid them to assist their brother. Thus it was that clouds were formed and carried across the skies by Azaera's winds to bring forth water in all parts of the world.<br /> <br /> While the first rains were gentle, Yilvor was much intrigued by their potential. He realized that they could be much more potent, but kept his own counsel and let his sister have dominion over the rains until he should have need for them.<br /> <br /> Azaera was no gardener, and soon found the job of bringing rains tedious. And owing to her capricious nature, some places received too much water, and others not enough. Grenadias was not angry with his sister, for she did him a great service even though she was inconsistent, and the whole world blossomed and grew. All was lush and green, and Grenadias rejoiced.<br /> <br /> Having accomplished his first task, he rested from his labors, playing upon the whole of earth with Serathe, whose laughter filled the air. Together, they created all the living beasts that walk, run, or crawl, both wild and tame. In gratitude to Azaera and Yilvor, they made the birds of the air and all the sea creatures. Serathe greatly loved all the new animals, and often had ideas for more. She would often hasten back to her Grandfather and sit on his lap to tell him of her thoughts. Sometimes he would grant her permission to create the animal she imagined, and other times he would refuse her. The whole world abounded with life and beauty.<br /> <br /> ===The Treachery of Orglok===<br /> While Grenadias tilled and planted and raised the beasts, Orglok brooded secretly and grew in hatred. After he had accosted Grenadias in the garden, he was summoned before his father's throne to give account of himself. He abased himself before Jornos and pretended to repent of his jealousy and malice, begging the forgiveness of his brothers and sisters. He was granted forgiveness and afterward seemed changed, but his fair countenance and words were as new fallen snow over a heap of rotting carrion, and as quick to fade. He plotted revenge in secret, and nurtured the blackness in his heart.<br /> <br /> Orglok saw all the works Grenadias wrought, and a great desire to possess all the splendors of the world stirred within him. Moreover, he resolved that if he could not have them, he would destroy them. He resented Serathe too, for she was allowed to bring some of her own designs to life, rather than strictly obeying Jornos' commands. It had never occurred to him to go to his father and ask permission, and the Starfire may well have consented if he had. Mortal men will never know the truth of the matter.<br /> <br /> Orglok sought revenge on Grenadias and his family, and saw his opportunity with Arkala. He used play with her often, and would speak to her at length in her father's gardens in the Celestial Palace. She delighted in all the secrets Orglok told her, being a curious child, though much of what he told her were falsehoods meant to poison her mind. The seeds he planted indeed bore fruit as she grew, and Orglok filled her heart with blackness while her father was away. Curiosity gave way to desire, and desire to lust, and Orglok took her innocence one day in secret upon the flowerbeds in her father's gardens.<br /> <br /> Delanis noted the change in her daughter as she grew, but it had been so slow as to be nearly imperceptible, and she mistook it for the normal changes that occurred as a child grew into maturity. None knew what Orglok had done, and although Vashra was suspicious of Orglok, she could not see his misdeeds clearly.<br /> <br /> When Grenadias and Serathe returned, Jornos declared a great celebration, for all was in readiness for the culmination of his plans. There was feasting and rejoicing in the Celestial Palace, and all the gods made merry.<br /> <br /> Grenadias was greatly surprised to see how his daughter Arkala had changed while he was gone, for Serathe had grown but little in that time, and was still a child. Although he was much amazed at the way Arkala had grown more beautiful, he nonetheless felt foreboding, though he knew not why. She was beautiful, certainly, but in a way different from any of her kin. There was something about the way she carried herself that he did not like, but he could not recognize that his sweet daughter was growing into the Queen of Whores. But these thoughts were soon forgotten in his joy at being reunited with his family, and he joined in the divine revelry with the rest of the Celestial Court.<br /> <br /> And when at last the celebration came to an end, all the gods retired to their separate dwellings to rest except for Orglok. He only made a pretense of doing so, and instead secretly crept into his father's throne room while the others slept. There, he dared to sit upon his father's throne and gaze upon the whole world. His desire for power grew, and he resolved that he must some day unseat his father and claim all for himself. Arkala came to him and he seated her upon his lap, whispering his dark designs into her ear. He promised that he would make her his Empress, and all the other gods would bow before her and acknowledge her unmatched beauty.<br /> <br /> And though Orglok had treason in his heart, he still dissembled and played the part of the loyal son. Vashra was no longer able to keep silent about her misgivings and went quietly to her father to warn him.<br /> <br /> Jornos reassured her, saying, &quot;Worry not, beloved daughter. For though he thinks he deceives me, I see to the depths of my firstborn's heart. I know the treachery he hides behind his smile, and the hatred behind his sweet words. Nevertheless he is the first among my children, and there is yet time for him to repent of his evil. The day will come when he will taste either my mercy or my wrath, and until then, say nothing to anyone of this.&quot;<br /> <br /> Set at ease by these words, Vashra departed from her father's presence. Reassured though she was, she still kept watch on Orglok and his secret lover nonetheless.<br /> <br /> That very day, Jornos summoned the whole Celestial Court before him, and bid them to look out over the world. For lo, Jornos himself had brought forth a new creation upon the earth, the race of men.<br /> <br /> Jornos address his Court saying, &quot;Behold, all you gods, the culmination of all that you have labored to create. Behold mankind; they shall fan out over the earth like a spreading flame and master it. I have granted them the light of Reason, and made them masters of their own destiny. Each holds the secret of what he will become, and yea, even divinity is not beyond their grasp.&quot;<br /> <br /> And all the gods marveled at the race of men as they awoke and took their first tentative steps, save Orglok, who esteemed them but little. Seeing this, Jornos said to him, &quot;Do not be so rash to judge them, my firstborn, for while they are little now, what they will become in time is great indeed. And you yourself will have a great part to play, for you will teach them strength and courage.&quot;<br /> <br /> Turning to Llarm he said, &quot;But they will not remain upon the earth forever, but will pass from the world and be brought to these very halls. As my steward, you are to find a place for them within the household according to their hearts and their deeds. I give you leave to reward or punish them as you see fit, for you possess wisdom little less than mine.&quot;<br /> <br /> Orglok indeed taught mankind strength, bravery, and skill at arms, but he also sowed mistrust, division, and savagery. Men were thus divided into rival kingdoms and made war on one another because of the false whispers that Orglok planted among them. He recruited spies and servants to further spread discord among men, promising them great power in return.<br /> <br /> Arkala caused no less mischief herself, for she could see a man's deepest desires, and delighted especially in those men try hardest to hide away from others. She inflamed the hearts of men with lust and greed, and whispered perverse ideas into their ears as they slept. All of humanity was in strife, but Orglok still thought little of them. He was ever contemptuous of their prowess as warriors, even as they slaughtered each other without quarter.<br /> <br /> Orglok desired to create his own race of warriors, and correct the &quot;mistakes&quot; his father had made. Spying two boars fighting as he walked through the forest one day, he hit upon his idea. Snatching them up, he took them to a deserted place and created the race of orcs to be his perfect warriors. He gave them great strength and hearts that knew neither fear nor compassion. He gave them the power to see at night, when men were hampered without the light of Jornos' torch. He made them breed prolifically so that their numbers would ever increase, and he filled them with a savage spirit. He raised his warrior race in secret (or so he thought), and taught them much dark knowledge. They learned their lessons only imperfectly, though, since their hearts turned ever towards bloodshed. Orglok devoted much of his power to keeping his creations concealed until they were ready, though Jornos knew the evil his son intended.<br /> <br /> Arkala, meanwhile, was ever-busy multiplying strife, seeding corruption and enmity everywhere. Those days were dark indeed, lawless times when men were given to every sort of depravity. She turned mankind away from the gods, raising up false prophets of strange religions to lead men further astray. Yilvor often visited warnings from Jornos upon mankind in those days, and Azaera's spears would rain down from the sky for the impiety of men. However, even as the servants of the gods delivered their warnings and called for repentence, Arkala's minions contradicted them and all of mankind was in great confusion.<br /> <br /> ===The Expulsion of the Traitors===<br /> Until this time, Jornos had permitted his son's defiance to test the mettle of his creations. But the creation of the race of orcs without his permission had greatly angered the Birther of the World, and he summoned his firstborn before him.<br /> <br /> When he received the summons, Orglok was troubled for his preparations to overthrow his father were incomplete. He knew that as strong as he was, he could not defeat Jornos by force, and had spent many years devising stratagems to unseat his father by cunning. Still, his carefully crafted plans were not in readiness, and he realized that he must make his attempt before he received his father's punishment or he would forever lose his opportunity. Therefore, he and Arkala desperately sought a plan. Arkala reflected on the ease with which she had been able to corrupt the minds of men, and wondered if she could not be able to do the same with her father's plants. They arranged for Orglok to dine with his father, and Arkala would taint his food and thereby lay him low so Orglok could dispatch him.<br /> <br /> Jornos was accustomed to drink the nectar of the fruits of the Celestial Garden from a golden cup with his meals, and Arkala used all of her foul arts to create the first poison, using much of her strength to give it a potency to harm the Starfire himself. Though she thought that the deed was accomplished in secret, Vashra was aware of what she had done, and awaited her chance to deal with Arkala.<br /> <br /> When Jornos heard that Orglok wished to dine with him and explain his actions, he knew that his son had some treachery in mind. Nevertheless, he consented to the idea, and awaited the arrival of his firstborn.<br /> <br /> Orglok once again played the part of the repentant son and explained away his disobedience with many artful lies, and Jornos seemed to believe him. Taking up his bejeweled cup filled with poison, he offered it to Orglok saying, &quot;It gladdens my heart that my wayward son has returned and regrets the harm he has caused. Share this cup with me, and be reconciled.&quot;<br /> <br /> Orglok refused to drink from it, and would not even extend his hand to touch it, saying, &quot;I have overstepped myself many times already. I would not dare to presume to drink from my father's cup.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;Take it, my son.&quot; Jornos insisted, offering it again. &quot;Why do you refuse what I freely offer when you did not hesitate to sneak like a thief into my hall and sit upon my throne? You wish to take my place, and yet you are afraid to take my cup.&quot;<br /> <br /> Realizing that he had been discovered, Orglok was seized by panic. He again pleaded his innocence and refused to take the cup. Jornos upended the cup and spilled its contents onto the table, where it hissed and bubbled like boiling water.<br /> <br /> Filled with fear, he fled from his father's presence, and Jornos followed not far behind. Orglok hastened to his father's throne room and went to the resting place of the sun, intending to use its power against the Starfire. Since he had been granted dominion over fire, he assumed that he could control it, not realizing that the its flames came from the power of Jornos himself.<br /> <br /> Orglok snatched up the sun from the sconce where it rested at night, and was at once horribly burned by his father's light. Ever after, he was never able to take on a fair appearance again, but remained forever sinister and frightening to look upon. With a tortured scream, Orglok dropped the sun, and it was extinguished as it hit the floor.<br /> <br /> Orglok fled headlong from his father's presence, maddened by the excruciating pain of his burns. Hearing the commotion, Llarm took up his great shining sword and came running, and was astonished by what he saw. Filled with anger by his brother's treason, he chased Orglok to the very gates of the Celestial Palace.<br /> <br /> He would have pursued his brother further and struck him down, but Jornos appeared before him and prevented him, saying, &quot;Put away your sword and go no further, O Judge of Souls. For it is not your place to mete out punishment upon your siblings without my word. He has been chastised, and it pleases me to allow him to live in exile and brood upon his failure. Let him glory in his empty victories for now, but all his plans will ever come to nothing. Let him skulk in the darkness like a scolded dog for now, and in the fullness of time, not even a memory of him or his followers will remain.&quot; Lifting his hand, he deflected Llarm's sword, and the mighty weapon was shattered into thousands of glittering shards that were scattered across the sky.<br /> <br /> Llarm was stayed by his father's words, but called after Orglok into the darkness, &quot;I may be prevented from dealing with you as you deserve, dear brother, but your followers cannot evade me. I will do unto them as I would to you, and I will take great pleasure in making them suffer for giving allegiance to you.&quot;<br /> <br /> Orglok paused in his flight for a moment, calling back to Llarm, &quot;Brave words for one who knows not whether to sit or stand without our father's permission. Devise whatever torments you please, but you will never get hold of my servants.&quot; Then Orglok fled to the depths of the earth, taking refuge within the hidden fires of the deep. He devised the art of Necromancy to spite the Greeter, and spread this odious knowledge among his adherents. From that time on, all manner of undead abominations were found upon the earth, blaspheming Llarm with their twisted mockery of life.<br /> <br /> While Orglok fled, Arkala hid herself, for she still had not recovered her full strength from creating her poison. She feared that she would not be so lucky as Orglok, and would not be allowed to escape. But Vashra discovered her hiding place and descended upon her like an eagle upon a rabbit. Seizing her by the hair, Vashra dragged Arkala through the halls of the Celestial Palace, all the way to the highest parapet of the shining halls. Arkala cowered before the Mistress of Magic and pleaded for forgiveness, but Vashra's heart was hardened.<br /> <br /> &quot;You would have shared in the traitor's victory,&quot; she replied, &quot;and so you must share in his defeat, wench. Begone, and consider yourself fortunate that I do not do worse to you.&quot; With these words, she seized Arkala by the throat and cast her down into the darkness, and watched the daughter of Delanis fall.<br /> <br /> Jornos returned to his throne room and picked up the sun's torch from where Orglok had dropped it, setting it back in its sconce. Upon feeling its true master's touch the extinguished torch reignited, and the sun's light was restored. Jornos once again took his seat upon his golden throne, and looked out over the whole of the world.<br /> <br /> Llarm addressed Jornos, saying, &quot;We may have nothing to fear from those two any more, father, but what of your race of men? Surely those two will continue to afflict mankind as they have before, and multiply the miseries they have already caused. Should we allow them to continue to do so with impunity?&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;I made men to be masters of their own destiny, and I will not stand over them like a nursemaid over an infant. But neither is it fitting for us to stand idly by and allow those two traitors to do as they will. Therefore, I grant to you and your siblings leave to guide men back toward the true path just as those two have led them astray. The choice of their path must always remain their own, however, and any of you who would interfere directly in the affairs of mankind must himself become a mortal man. This is my will.&quot;<br /> <br /> Orglok and Arkala were indeed not idle in their exile, but worked ceaselessly to cause woe to mankind and show spite to the gods faithful to Jornos. Orglok would capture beasts and warp them into fearsome monsters with a taste for human flesh, and Arkala made poisonous plants from those that had formerly been wholesome. Arkala began to bear children to Orglok, but they were not as the children of Jornos. While they inherited some of their parents' formidable powers, they were not of divine blood, for they had been born in exile from the Celestial Palace. Thus were the race of demons created, and they accomplished much evil for their parents.<br /> <br /> Arkala continued her efforts to turn the hearts of men to evil, for Orglok could no longer assume a pleasing form and struck terror into all who saw him. But Arkala found her work more difficult than before, since Vashra's servants confounded her mischief at every turn. In her anger, Arkala unleashed her greatest evil and brought forth disease upon the earth, striking down men and beasts alike with terrible plagues. But even her greatest triumph was diminished, for her mother Delanis taught the healing arts to mankind, and many lives were spared.<br /> <br /> Grenadias was greatly grieved by the corruption of his daughter, and ceased to tend to earth for a time after her expulsion from the Celestial Palace. A great cold fell over the world from his mourning, and snow and ice fell from the skies instead of rain. There was a great hunger throughout the world for the crops would not grow, and men had never needed to store up their food before. But Grenadias was roused from his melancholy for the sake of his other daughter Serathe, for she loved the wild beasts and the flowers of the field dearly. The snow melted and the greenery returned, but the Tiller never fully recovered from his heartbreak.<br /> <br /> ==The Story of Theorus==<br /> <br /> One day Theorus presented himself before the throne of Jornos and said to his father, &quot;I have been observing your race of men, and I am troubled by what I see. For while Orglok's orcs are all of one mind, mankind is much divided and fight among themselves. Though I do not believe that the Traitor's creation is greater than yours, mighty father, I fear that they may fall for lack of unity.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;And what would you do, my son?&quot; Jornos asked in reply. &quot;For the hearts of men have grown stubborn and proud. And though your siblings give them much good counsel and aid, they still cling to the lawless habits they learned from the Exiles.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;They need a leader, someone to unite them and show them the power of the ways they have forgotten. But such a one is not found among the host of mortal men.&quot; Theorus replied.<br /> <br /> &quot;You know what I have commanded. If you would take this burden upon yourself, you must be emptied of your divinity and become as one of them. You will be subject to all of their afflictions and infirmities, and you will receive no more aid from us than we would grant to any other mortal. If any ask you whence you came, you will say, 'I am a wanderer from across the sea.' And you will never tell anyone what you are preparing them for. When you die, you must be judged by your brother as any other mortal, and your divinity will only be restored if your deeds in world of men merit it. Are you willing to do all of this?&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;I am, Father.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;Then so be it. Once you depart from these halls, you will be as an ordinary man, and you cannot return until you die your mortal death. Bid farewell to your mother and your siblings, and then depart.&quot;<br /> <br /> Theorus bowed low before his father, and then departed from the Starfire's presence. He bid farewell to his mother and each of his siblings in turn, for he knew not whether he would ever see them again. Ultros gave his brother armor and a sword such as mortal hands have never wrought, and Azaera gave him boots that would never wear out, as well as cloak which would protect him from the bitterest cold. Grenadias took Theorus into his gardens and said, &quot;I will give you such assistance as I am able. I will take the fruit of yonder tree and plant it in the earth. When you see such a tree, you will know your wanderings have ended. You shall found a city there, and gather men to yourself. I will make the lands there fertile, and Yilvor will provide your people with wells that never fail. The Traitor has caused me great grief, and I desire greatly that his schemes fail.&quot;<br /> <br /> Theorus departed from the halls of the Celestial Palace with his gifts, and took on the form of a man. None know for sure where he first set foot in the mortal realms, though many villages and towns claim that he first appeared in their midst. But regardless of the truth of the matter, Theorus wandered far and wide and did many a mighty deed. In Jarvod, he met the great archmage Nevan, and the two became fast friends.<br /> <br /> And after years of wandering, the two heroes came upon the tree Grenadias had planted, in the lands of King Igvar. It had grown in the middle of a small village, and all were amazed, for no one had ever seen anything like this Celestial tree before. A servant of Orglok had cursed it and attempted to cut it down, but he was struck down dead the moment his axe encountered the tree's bark. The people were much afraid of this dreadful portent, and none dared to touch it. Thus it was that all were astonished when Theorus came upon this tree and ate of its fruit with impunity. All apprehended that he was a mighty hero, for he was strong of arm, quick of wit, and handsome of face.<br /> <br /> It is well known how Theorus met Igvar's daughter Dalantha in the woods, and how he was enamored of her beauty. Many have written of his rivalry with her suitor Astronius, and of the many labors he performed in the service of King Igvar before he consented to give Theorus his daughter's hand. Thus it was that Theorus inherited Igvar's throne when he died, and he founded the city of Charnath where he found the tree. It was he who first built the mighty granite walls, and restored order and piety to the gods in his domain. There grew many famous tales of his wars with the kings who bordered his lands: Belenor, savage Grallas, proud Rauvo, and Queen Carrade, who dared to take up arms and fight among the men on the field of battle.<br /> <br /> Theorus ruled for many long years, sustained by the fruit of the tree Grenadias planted, and expanded the lands he inherited from Igvar. And though all the world was in tumult, there was peace within his domain. After three centuries of rule, he finally died a very old man, and his grandson Irirun inherited his kingdom. Irirun took his grandfather's name, as have all of his successors. Theorus was spirited back to the shining halls of the Celestial Palace, and was brought before his brother Llarm for judgment. His divinity was restored, and there was much rejoicing in the halls of Jornos.<br /> <br /> ==The Coming of the Orcs==<br /> <br /> After many long centuries of breeding in seclusion, Orglok determined that he was ready to loose his orcs upon the unsuspecting world. Therefore, he led them forth from their hidden places in dark forests and caverns underground and commanded them to build ships to carry them across the ocean.<br /> <br /> The orcs had never seen the ocean before, for Orglok had wished to keep them out of Yilvor's reach, and they were much afraid of its crashing waves and seemingly endless expanse. Driven on by their god's inexorable demands, however, they did as they were bid and constructed a great fleet. When it was ready, the whole orcish host boarded these crude vessels, and was borne across the sea by Orglok's power. They crossed the sea veiled in a black cloud, through which none but gods could see. Yilvor and Azaera summoned mighty storms into the way of this fearsome armada, though more ships survived than were sunk.<br /> <br /> Now in those days, what is today called the Shadowlands was home to dwarves&lt;ref name=&quot;myth&quot; /&gt;, who collected vast heaps of treasure in their underground halls. In the forests above the dwarven halls lived the elves, the longest lived of the mortal races. It was the elves that first spied the ominous black cloud upon the sea, and they were vexed and perplexed by the mysterious portent. When the ships landed, the cloud was thrown back, and orcs poured forth from their ships like pus from a lanced boil, and the entire beach was a roiling mass of green. They brought forth their arms and their engines of war, and many strange and foul beasts from across the sea. They pulled apart their ships for lumber and constructed fortified camps, and sent scouts forth to explore.<br /> <br /> The elves were the first to do battle with the tuskers, and though they were skilled in arms, their numbers were small compared to this new foe. Many elves perished, and their great tree cities were burned. The great lords of the elves met in council and they agreed to depart from these lands and seek a new home across the sea. Thus resolved, they departed with such swiftness and secrecy that none know where they went.<br /> <br /> The dwarves had been content to sit in their halls at first, but were drawn forth to battle after the departure of the elves. The dwarves were greatly attached to their land, and their gold especially, and would not yield to these new invaders. Led on by the priests of their war god Hepheran, the dwarves slaughtered orcs in heaps, and made the earth reek with their black blood. However, no matter how many orcs they slew, it seemed that there were always more to take their place. Slowly, one by one, the great houses of the dwarves were exterminated by the orcs. The orcs took up residence in the depths of the old dwarven strongholds, and have since been impossible to root out entirely. They bred in secret, and more orcs always spilled forth from hidden holes like insects to continue their endless warfare.<br /> <br /> Hepheran was filled with hatred for Orglok, and was an implacable foe. His followers never surrendered, even down to the very last warrior. Even as the last of the dwarven hearths were extinguished, Hepheran would not admit defeat. He turned to the race of men, and revealed himself to the Terlindians. He taught them how to drill and to fight with discipline, and added to the knowledge of smithcraft Ultros had imparted to them.<br /> <br /> Jornos saw that Hepheran was making followers among the race of men, and sent emissaries to call the Eternal Warrior to the Celestial Palace. Hepheran came, and spoke at length of his hatred for Orglok, and his desire to see the Lord of Traitors humbled. But while Jornos saw that Hepheran had taught many useful things to the men of Terlind, he had overstepped himself by interfering with mankind without the Starfire's consent. Hepheran was stubborn and proud, and would not admit that he was in the wrong. Their first conversation came to nothing, and Hepheran departed from Jornos' presence.<br /> <br /> Hepheran might have left the Celestial Palace and had no more dealings with the Starfire if he had not heard a haunting melody drifting through the shining halls as he sought to return to his own domain. Its beauty far surpassed anything he had ever heard before, and stirred even his hardened warrior's heart. He sought the singer, and found Vashra in the Celestial Gardens. Hepheran was captivated by the daughter of Jornos, and his stubbornness was tempered by Vashra's wise counsel. Hepheran returned to Jornos and acknowledged that he had overstepped his proper bounds. He agreed to an alliance with Jornos on the condition that he be given Vashra as his wife. Jornos consented, and there was great celebration in the Celestial Palace to welcome Hepheran into the Starfire's Court.<br /> <br /> Hepheran appeared to his priest Leorg in a dream, and commanded him thusly, &quot;Arise, faithful servant, and take your cloak and staff. Go to Axin, King of the Terlindians, and say to him, 'A great darkness has fallen over this land, and the orcs spread like a plague from the south. Send ambassadors to Ganias, son of Seveig of the house of Theorus in Charnath and seek an alliance. For only together will this menace be turned back. Without the aid of Ganias you shall surely perish just as the dwarves. So says my master, the Eternal Warrior.' And if he does not believe you, I give you the gift of great magic from my bride. The King's son is sick, and you will heal him. Go forth now.&quot;<br /> <br /> Leorg rose from his bed at once and did as he was commanded, and made haste to Axin's stronghold. When he arrived, he found that Axin's son Ataman was indeed gravely ill. Laying hands upon him and praying to Hepheran, Leorg restored the boy to health. All were amazed, for the servants of Hepheran had never wielded magic before. Leorg delivered his message to the King as he had been commanded, and Axin dispatched envoys to Charnath the following day. Thus it was that Alesia and Terlind were united, and the orcs suffered their first defeats.<br /> <br /> &lt;references&gt;<br /> &lt;ref name=&quot;myth&quot;&gt;Oddly, the Alesian myth does not explain the origins of elves and dwarves, nor does it explain the origins of their gods.&lt;/ref&gt;<br /> &lt;/references&gt;<br /> <br /> =Religious Practices=<br /> <br /> ==Marriage Ceremony==<br /> <br /> The ceremony begins with the bride and groom on opposite sides of the area in which the wedding is to be peformed, facing one another. This can be a temple, a home, or even outdoors. The priest stands in the center, with a brazier full of charcoals on the ground before him. The bride and groom advance toward one another, until they are standing on opposite sides of the brazier. If someone will be giving the bride, he/she should precede the bride, bearing a sheathed sword. He/she presents the sword to the groom, then steps aside to allow the bride to take her place opposite the groom. If there is not someone present to give the bride, the priest presents the sword to the groom. The groom unsheathes the sword and lays the sheath aside, then holds it in both hands, blade down. The bride lays her hands over his, and together, drive it down into the ground between them, in front of the brazier. It will remain there for the duration of the ceremony. Alesian temples usually have a removable tile in the floor that covers a small patch of earth for this purpose.<br /> <br /> The bride and groom rise, and face the priest. The priest may address some introductory remarks to the bride and groom or to the assembly before beginning the marriage rite itself.<br /> <br /> '''Priest''': &quot;''(Groom)'', son of ''(father's name)'', is it your will that you be joined to ''(Bride)'', daughter of ''(father's name)'', in marriage and welcome her into the house of your fathers?&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Groom''': &quot;It is.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Priest''': &quot;''(Bride)'', daughter of ''(father's name)'', is it your will that you be joined to ''(Groom)'', son of ''(father's name)'', in marriage and be joined unto the house of his fathers?&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Bride''': &quot;It is.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Priest''': &quot;''(Father's name)'', father of ''(Groom)'', is it your will that your son be joined in marriage to ''(Bride)'', daughter of ''(father's name)''?&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Father of Groom''': &quot;It is.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Priest''': &quot;''(Father's name)'', father of ''(Bride)'', is it your will that your daughter be joined in marriage to ''(Groom)'', son of ''(father's name)''?&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Father of Bride''': &quot;It is.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Priest''': &quot;''(Groom)'', son of ''(father's name)'', do you understand your duties to ''(Bride)'', daughter of ''(father's name)'', as her husband and father to her children?&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Groom''': &quot;I do.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Priest''': &quot;And do you undertake them without reservation?&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Groom''': &quot;I do.&quot;<br /> <br /> ''The groom presents his right hand to the priest, which is annointed with consecrated oil. He remains holding hand outstretched, palm up while the priest addresses the bride.''<br /> <br /> '''Priest''': &quot;''(Bride)'', daughter of ''(father's name)'', do you understand your duties to ''(Groom)'', son of ''(father's name)'', as his wife and mother to his children?&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Bride''': &quot;I do.&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Priest''': &quot;And do you undertake them without reservation?&quot;<br /> <br /> '''Bride''': &quot;I do.&quot;<br /> <br /> ''The bride presents her right hand to the priest, which is annointed with consecrated oil. The bride and groom turn inward to face one another, and the priest takes their outstretched hands and joins them together, pressing them together with one hand above theirs, and one beneath.''<br /> <br /> '''Priest''': &quot;Then let it be so. May all the gods stand as witness to this union, and bless and preserve it.&quot;<br /> <br /> ''The priest releases their hands, and the bride and groom kneel on either side of the brazier between them, with hands still joined. Using their left hands, the bride and groom spoon incense onto the burning charcoal from a bowl placed beside the brazier as an offering to the gods. as the smoke rises, they bow their heads, and the priest places one hand upon the groom's head, and the other upon the bride's head.''<br /> <br /> '''Priest''': &quot;May Delanis, patroness of marriage, watch over this union and grant you many long years of happiness together. May she preserve the love you bear one another all your days. May she protect (Bride) in pregnancy and childbirth, and watch over your children.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;May Grenadias, tiller of the fields, grant you abundance and prosperity all your days.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;May Hepheran, the Eternal Warrior, shield you from danger and grant your sons strength and courage.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;May Ultros, the great smith, forge this union and make it stronger than steel, and immovable as a mountain so that nothing but death itself may ever sunder it.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;May Vashra, mistress of spell and song, always grant her wise counsel to you both as husband and wife, and mother and father.&quot;<br /> <br /> [''If the couple is of noble or royal blood, the following is added:''&lt;br&gt;<br /> &quot;May Jornos and Filiandria, the Celestial Emperor and Empress, make your marriage as their own. May you always be faithful spouses, devoted parents, and wise rulers.&quot;]<br /> <br /> &quot;May the Starfire, giver of life and light, always hold you within the blessed radiance of his favor.&quot;<br /> <br /> ''The blessing concluded, the bride and groom rise, and turn to face the priest. He presents them each with a glass of whiskey that has been consecrated to Grenadias, so that their marriage may be fertile. They face each other once more, and offer a toast to one another in turn. They raise the glass to each other's lips and both drink together. After that, they may kiss, which concludes the ceremony. The groom removes the sword from the ground, sheathes it, and attaches it to his belt. A properly Alesian celebration follows.''<br /> <br /> <br /> {{religion}}</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Menxism&diff=4597 2013-05-06T00:02:49Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>Pages about Menxism.<br /> <br /> <br /> ( ''[[Cult of the Silver Flame]] * [[Dream of the Nine Otherworlds]] * [[Guardians of Menxruk]] * [[Menxiyeh]] * [[Menxiyeh Mahiyati]] * [[Menxruk]] * [[Menxvan]] * [[Pallodain]] * [[Templars of Menxvan]]'' )<br /> <br /> [[Category: Religion]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Menxism&diff=4595 2013-05-06T00:00:25Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox<br /> |title = Menxism<br /> <br /> |image = [[image:Menxruk.jpg|200px]]<br /> |headerstyle = background:#C3C3C3;<br /> |labelstyle = background:#DEDEDE;<br /> <br /> |header5 = Religion Information<br /> |label6 = Type<br /> |data6 = Monotheistic (largely)<br /> |label8 = Deity(ies) Worshipped<br /> |data8 = Menxvan, [[Guardians of Menxruk|Menxruk]]<br /> |label9 = Regional Origins<br /> |data9 = Unknown<br /> |label10 = Symbol<br /> |data10 = Various<br /> }}<br /> <br /> In the beginning there was only Menxned (All-One). There was no universe as we understand it, since the universe is many, and there was only the One. Menxned was the highest form of being, omniscient, omnipotent, infinite, perfect in unity and simplicity. All things were in it, and all things came from it. As simply as it can be put in terms of mortal understanding, Menxned WAS. Menxned was the purest form of existence, freed of any of the limitations of finite beings.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> At a point in the distant past, Menxned divided into [[Menxvan]] (All-Good) and [[Menxruk]] (All-Evil). The entire universe arose from this division, the Many sprung forth from the One, the complex from the simple, the opposed from the unified. No one knows for sure precisely why this happened, but it is believed that Menxned became bored after eons of of a solitary, static existence, and the tripartite division of Menxned into Menxvan, Menxruk, and the universe occurred because of a desire for something different.<br /> <br /> Menxvan and Menxruk are opposed to each other in all things, and have contended with one another since their first moments of existence. In fact, the creation of life stemmed from a desire for someone to settle one of their quarrels. Menxvan and Menxruk are equal in strength, and try as they might, neither can defeat the other. That is why mortals are of such importance to them. Their actions can tip the balance in favor of one or the other. Neither deity can be totally defeated, nor can either of them be destroyed. However, one can gain the upper hand temporarily (whether for minutes, hours, days, months, even years) through the actions of their followers. It is a tenet of both Menxvanic and Menxrukic philosophy that even a single person taking the appropriate action at the appropriate time can shift the balance toward one deity or the other.<br /> <br /> Followers of Menxvan believe that the best way to shift the balance in the favor of the good is to do good deeds whenever possible, and to encourage one's fellows to do good as well. Certain extreme Menxvanic sects have interpreted this philosophical tenet as a divine mandate for rabid evangelization, but such sects generally do not remain in existence for very long. The majority of Menxvanists are strongly opposed to forced religious conversions.<br /> <br /> Menxruk, of course, takes a different approach to trying to tilt the contest in his favor. Among his favorite tactics are sending plagues and natural disasters to destroy groups of Menxvanists; sending his followers to infiltrate and corrupt groups and organizations, subtly working to turn them toward the dark paths; and heaping misfortunes upon followers of Menxvan to try to get them to renounce their faith. Menxvan, for his part, is able to prevent or minimize much of the harm that Menxruk attempts, though not all of it. Similarly, Menxruk can not take away all the blessings that Menxvan bestows on his followers.<br /> <br /> Menxvan and Menxruk will never settle their contest with one another, but they will tire of it eventually. In the end, Menxvan and Menxruk will reunite, and the universe as we know it will cease to exist as Menxned is reborn, and all things become One once again.<br /> <br /> While Menxvan and Menxruk are opposed in all things, their dominion overlaps in many places. The Cosmos is not simply divided up between them; most things have a dual nature and are shared by both. Each deity has their preferences: Menxvan prefers light while Menxruk prefers darkness, Menxvan prefers order while Menxruk prefers chaos, etc. This is not to say that Menxvan is the god of light, or that Menxruk is the god of chaos. Many things can be good or evil, helpful or harmful, and this is why both gods have such wide spheres of influence. Fire can provide warmth and light, as well as cause death and destruction. Laws can protect the people, or oppress them. As stated before, many things are without an inherent inclination toward good or evil, and the intent behind a particular action or event is what places it under a particular god's dominion. The only things that can be placed directly under either god's dominion are certain abstract concepts. For example, Menxvan is associated with good, purity, justice, virtue, etc; Menxruk is associated with evil, corruption, injustice, vice, etc.<br /> <br /> Male terminology is frequently used for referring to Menxvan and Menxruk, a custom dating back to some of the earliest stories about Menxvan and Menxruk. These tales comes from Menxism's roots as a primitive, tribal folk religion that portrayed both deities as anthropomorphic beings (essentially, very powerful humans). Current thought holds that both deities are sexless entities, or at least have no sex in the sense that mortals do. Menxned was all things, and Menxvan and Menxruk came forth from Menxned. Both deities contain elements of both the masculine and the feminine, and have manifested themselves as either sex as need or desire suited them. Interestingly, Menxvan is almost exclusively referred to as feminine in devotions that deal with fertility and agriculture among certain rural Menxvanic sects.<br /> <br /> In general, people pray to Menxvan to bring good things, and to Menxruk to avoid misfortune, or to bring misfortune on someone else. Menxruk is not shunned, but rather given a certain respect even by the most devout Menxvanists. Evil has its place in the cosmic order, even if one does not wish it to dominate, and Menxruk is given at least some minor devotion to placate him and try to convince him not to send misfortune. This does not mean, however, that followers of Menxvan are passive toward evil, or particularly tolerant toward servants of evil gods. In many mythoi, gods of evil can not create, merely pervert and twist what already exists to serve their purposes. This is not true of Menxruk. While he prefers destruction to creation, he is more than capable of creating when he feels the desire to do so. Similarly, Menxvan is capable of destruction, but simply chooses not to do harm.<br /> <br /> Menxvan and Menxruk are both quite tolerant of other faiths, as far as deities go, and this extends down to the clergy and followers of both deities. The theory behind this is that anyone that does good helps Menxvan, while anyone that does evil helps Menxruk. The only followers of foreign deities that are not welcome are followers of neutral gods that seek balance in all things (as such individuals would work to bring the contest to a stalemate), and militant faiths that are hostile toward other religions. Menxruk has even gone so far as to impersonate other deities in the past to gain the devotion of certain powerful followers of evil deities from other worlds. It should be noted, however, that certain extreme sects (such as the now-defunct Cult of the Silver Flame) are militantly opposed to foreigners and foreign deities, but these people represent a small minority.<br /> (Note: The various sects of Menxvanism are open to further development, as are more detailed explanations of religious beliefs and practices, as well as further stories for the religious mythology.)<br /> <br /> =Fate= <br /> <br /> A belief in an absolute fate or destiny would presuppose the existence of another divine entity or agency, or would presuppose a pre-agreement between Menxvan and Menxruk over the fate of a particular mortal. Rather, both branches of Menxism have a philosophy of self-determination, that one makes one's own fate to a degree. No child is born inherently good or evil, but rather, their upbringing and their own actions determine who they will be. This is not to say that all things are under the control of the person. It is freely acknowledged that there are many things beyond the control of mortals, but it is everyone's lot in life to make the most of what they have. Many people do, however, believe in the existence of a limited sort of fate, and intercede with Menxvan to alter fate. Left as they are, things will resolve themselves in a certain way. The outcome of things under these circumstances is perceived as &quot;fate.&quot; Intercession with higher powers might bring them to act on one's behalf, or show one how to alter one's own fate.<br /> <br /> =The Afterlife= <br /> <br /> In all, there are ten levels of existence to the universe. All non-divine beings begin life as mortals in the first level, the world of the living. The other nine levels are known collectively as the other world, or the afterlife. Death is the passing from the mortal realms into eternity. To a Menxvanist, life truly is a first, temporary stage of a much longer journey. The afterlife is sometimes colloquially referred to as the nine heavens or the nine hells, though both names are something of a mistranslation of the concept. The Arangothian language does not have separate words for heaven and hell, only degdrelth, the 'other-world.' Mortals know very little about most of these. The first, and lowest, is the Dreamworld, which mortals visit when they are dreaming. It is to this world that mortal spirits first gravitate when they have died in the living world. This is why one can meet the recently deceased in dreams.<br /> <br /> Once there, perhaps, spirits can see (in something similar to &quot;dreaming&quot; here) into the second, next-highest level of the other world. One way in which the first heaven is different from earth is that the forces of Menxvan and Menxruk are physically disparate there, having resolved into something like two vast empires. Thus a person might, indeed, end up in one or another &quot;region&quot; of the Dreamworld. This might also be associated with the difference between dreams and nightmares, and between dreams that correctly predict the future, and those that deceive. People &quot;die&quot; in the first heaven as well, and pass on into subsequent heavens, but little is known about these. Dying is admittedly a rather inaccurate analogy, but the process does involve a passing from one state of existence, and the beginning of a new existence on a new plane. It is not known precisely what is involved in this process of transcendence, but it apparently has something to do with strength of character and devotion to one's deity. Few living mortals ever catch a glimpse into the higher heavens, and those that do often can not comprehend what they see. A &quot;holy&quot; person in the world of the living is perhaps one of those who is believed to be able to dream while still living into the higher heavens, enabling contact with powerful beings and some degree of ability to foretell things to come. Each plane or level of the other world increases in proximity to one's deity, and becomes increasingly dissimilar to the world of the living. In the ninth and highest level of the other world reside very powerful beings that have advanced that high; each ascent presumably brings greater powers over the lower heavens and the mortal world. The ninth heaven/hell brings mortals into the closest proximity to the deities possible. They can communicate with Menxvan or Menxruk &quot;face-to-face,&quot; as we talk among ourselves.<br /> <br /> Certain beings that have ascended to the upper levels of the other world maintain an active interest in the affairs of mortals in the world of the living, doing what they can to help the followers of their particular deity. These figures are sometimes mistakenly referred to as demigods, or even minor deities by those unfamiliar with the tenets of Menxism, though neither description is entirely accurate. They are simply figures with a closer proximity to Mexvan or Menxruk, who intercede between mortals and the deities.<br /> <br /> One of the most widely known of such benevolent intercessor figures is Gigsin, the founder of a sect of Menxvanism widely followed in Hornath-ul-Marfed and the surrounding area. She was a Menxvanic priestess in the days after the [[Igmerinds]] subjugated the less sophisticated [[Goxal]]. Renowned for her great beauty, she was forced to marry the Igmerind ruler, the Sithire Kengail, against her will. She was also known for her formidable intellect, and became the first great Menxvanic theologian. She made the best of her situation, using her position as the Sithire's wife to aid the poor, and convert the conquering Igmerinds to the Goxal religion. In the end, Kengail died without an heir, a punishment said to be visited upon him by Menxvan for his impiety. The spot where Gigsin's house used to stand in Hornath-ul-Marfed is now a shrine with several dedicated Menxvanic priestesses who entreat her to bring the deity's favor upon the city and its people. [This has featured subtly in the Arlok storyline.]<br /> <br /> Gigsin is by no means the only such figure, and other powerful beings are known to have an interest in the mortal realm. Another is Naarundil, who is said to have encouraged the formation of the Templars of Menxvan and taught the Templar disciplines to Metrarin. Stories portray Naarundil as a wandering hero, turning up in unexpectedly to work mighty deeds and protect Menxvan's faithful, and then leaving as suddenly as he came. Lartha (sometimes called Larfa) is traditionally said to be Menxvan's personal bard and the greatest incarnation of poetic virtuosity. Inora the Snake Maiden is said to have revealed the arts of medicine and healing magics to mortals. Much to the annoyance of Father [[Kylus Dragonsbane]], many Menxvanic theologians consider Pallodain one of these entities in Menxvan's service.<br /> <br /> Among Menxruk's most infamous servants is Kolpetir the Faithless, who raises up servants for Menxruk in the lower worlds and grants them various powers in Menxruk's name, only to abandon them whenever doing so will cause them the greatest harm. The name Galgroth the Witherer is particularly feared, an entity who delights in plagues and famines above all else. When he chooses to manifest himself visibly, he has the appearance of a corpse writhing with maggots that spread disease wherever they fall.<br /> <br /> Menxvanic teaching holds that Menxvan and Menxruk are transendent beings, and mortal minds are not capable of comprehending direct communication with the deities. Thus, they communicate with their mortal followers through these powerful servants. Many followers of Menxruk believe that this is nonsense, but the the fact that there are often multiple individuals claiming to be Menxruk's high priest or chosen champion may indicate that Menxruk's servants are either pretending to be the All-Evil when interacting with mortals, or are pursuing their own agendas using Menxruk's name. Regardless of the source of this confusion, Menxruk seems to at least tolerate it, or may even encourage this division to weed out weak followers.<br /> <br /> =Worship of Menxvan and Menxruk= <br /> <br /> The structure and hierarchy of organized Menxvan worship is open to development. Perhaps it is governed by a council of the leaders of the largest sects in the kingdom. (Or perhaps it isn't. This is something that will need to be worked out in the future.) As both deities have such wide spheres of influence, there are a variety of Menxvanic and Menxrukic sects, and a wide variety of worship. (This has a lot of potential here for player innovation.) Menxvan worship in rural areas tends to focus more on nature and fertility aspects due to importance of agriculture. In contrast, Menxvanic worship in urban areas tends to be more philosphical and intellectual, overall more complex than many of the folkish rural sects. The varying sects can take widely different philosophies and approaches toward the same subject. For example, on the subject of warfare, sects can vary in philosophy from militaristic to pacifistic, or any stance in between.<br /> <br /> In the absence of any authoritative &quot;sacred writ&quot; of the Menxvanic faith, the poetic work ''[[Dream of the Nine Otherworlds|Mintrat ul Pinquo Degdrelthoss]]'' (Dream of the Nine Otherworlds) has often been considered the closest thing to this. Note that this account is not accepted by all followers of Menxvan or Menxruk, but that it is widely referred to as an authority and has considerable cultural weight.<br /> <br /> Worship of Menxruk is much more disorganized, and individualized, with little in the way of a formal theology. Large gatherings of Menxrukists would be a glaring target for Menxvanic warriors. Indeed, worship of Menxruk need not take any specific form, and depends largely on the whims of the priest leading the ritual. Cannibalism, human sacrifice, blood drinking, and bacchic orgies are have been practiced by sects claiming loyalty to Menxruk, but there are other, more subtle ways to do Menxruk's will. Menxruk accepts blatant atrocities as acts of devotion, though he prefers subtlety. Such overt acts are merely a distraction from the true source of evil, and intended to be as much. True evil is darker, more mysterious, and more difficult to track down. The worst mischiefs are done out of sight by Menxruk's more insidious agents while the heroes of the land are off battling obvious foes. The surest way to destroy something is not through brute force, but rather by corrupting it. Even the strongest, purest things things will rot and fall apart if infiltrated by perverting influences.<br /> <br /> Two distinct groups exist out of the differing worships:<br /> <br /> The [[Templars of Menxvan]]and the [[Guardians of Menxruk]].<br /> <br /> =Symbology=<br /> <br /> There are a variety of symbols that have become associated with Menxvan over the years. The color green is a very important symbolic color, representing life, prosperity, and fertility. Serpent imagery is also common, especially of a serpent swallowing its tail. (See Pat Feaster's file on Arangothian customs and note the uses of both serpent imagery and the color green in weddings and funerals) Third, the sun is also a symbol associated with Menxvan, due to the ancient creation myth. Finally, the character in the Arangothian alphabet that stands for the letter V (first letter of van, the word for good) is also used a symbol, though this is a fairly recent development. It is frequently used in religious jewelry, carved into stone in religious sites, or used in combination with other symbols. In addition, there are a number of other religious symbols; these are infrequently used, or associated only with particular rituals or holidays.<br /> <br /> As mentioned above, green is an important color in Menxvanic worship. Typical garb for performing religious rituals is a green robe, often with accents of other colors depending on the type of ceremony (white for purifications, black for funerals, etc). There is considerable variation in the priestly accoutrements among the various sects. (Modes of dress for particular sects is open to development).<br /> <br /> Since Menxruk's faith is largely underground and scattered, there is an even greater variety of symbols used by Menxruk's faithful in their worship. Menxrukic symbols tend to be inversions of Menxvanic symbols, preferably ones that are innocuous looking and easily concealed. The Arangothian letter R (for Ruk) is common, as are broken or incomplete circles, venomous snakes, crescent moons (since Menxruk is said to have created the moon), and sometimes mushrooms (which look harmless, but may in fact be deadly). There are many others which may be used only in certain areas or by certain sects, or are the mark of a particular priest.<br /> <br /> =The Priesthood=<br /> <br /> It is equally possible for men and women to become servants of Menxvan or Menxruk. (The specifics of the religious training are open for development). There are two major divisions of the Menxvanic priesthood: priests and priestesses, and holy men and holy women. Both receive the same religious training, and both have the same spiritual authority to perform religious ceremonies and rituals. The simple difference is that priests and priestesses are associated with one of the various temples throughout the land, while holy men and women are not. Holy men and women are wanderers, traveling throughout the kingdom, and even into other lands, to minister to people not within traveling distance of a temple. They perform an invaluable service in remote, rural areas, or in foreign lands with Menxvan-worshipping populations. Priests are allowed to marry and have children. In some sects, priests are expected to have a family, in others, staying single may be seen as a more virtuous calling, devoting oneself completely to Menxvan as it were.<br /> <br /> =Temples= <br /> <br /> Temples originally started out as an appropriately purified place where rituals can take place without the possibility of corruption. In the earliest days, they were simply caves or small huts, but they have evolved over the years into larger buildings devoted entirely to religious purposes, and sometimes entire complexes of buildings. Some temples have been built on sites associated with close communion with the other world, and others are repositories of relics, such as the mortal remains, or important possessions of particularly holy individuals. This is thought to make it more likely that the prayers of those within the temple are more likely to receive the intercession of Menxvan.<br /> <br /> In addition, the temples also serve as repositories of knowledge and history, containing accounts of the deeds of the faithful, and the collected teachings of particularly holy people, to be passed on for the edification of the people. In many areas, temples are the only source of education available. Menxvanic temples will teach literacy and basic mathematics to any person, provided that they are willing to work in the service of the temple for the duration of their studies. Temples also serve the function of hospitals in many areas of the kingdom, housing the sick, the injured, and the dying. Menxvanic priests are well versed in the arts of medicine and healing, and a number of them are also versed in the ways of magical healing.<br /> <br /> =The Origin of Things=<br /> <br /> A little while after the separation of the parts of the world out of Menxned, Van worked iron upon his anvil, and struck it with his hammer, and made out of it a great iron plate. Ruk was envious of Van for having this plate, and he decided to take it for himself. He seized it with both his hands, but Van held tight to it, and the more Ruk pulled, the firmer grew Van's grip. Finally the plate broke into a million pieces, and these pieces were scattered throughout the sky by a great wind. Ruk then said, &quot;I can make a better plate myself,&quot; and went off to make a plate of his own. In the meantime, Van made another iron plate upon his anvil, brighter and bigger than the first one. Ruk made a plate as well, but he made his out of stone and bone, and as he was making on it he kept thinking of the first plate, which had broken, and so the plate he made kept breaking and coming back together again. Finally, Van and Ruk came together and compared their plates, but they could not agree on which was the better plate. So Van and Ruk together made the first Man to judge which plate was the better of the two.<br /> <br /> Man looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate, and then he said, &quot;I'm thirsty, and I can't decide which plate is better until I have something to drink.&quot; And so Van and Ruk together made the Sea and the Lakes so that Man would have something to drink, so that they could hear from him which was the better plate.<br /> <br /> Man looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate, and then he said, &quot;I'm hungry, and I can't decide on an empty stomach which plate is better.&quot; And so Van and Ruk together made all the edible animals and all the edible plants so that Man would have something to eat, so that they could hear from him which was the better plate. Man looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate, and then he said, &quot;I'm lonely, and I can't decide which plate is better while I'm feeling depressed.&quot; And so Van and Ruk together made another person, and called the person Woman, so that Man would not be lonely, so that they could hear from him which was the better plate.<br /> <br /> Man and Woman looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate. And then, finally, Man said that in his opinion Van's plate was the better one. But Woman said that in her opinion Ruk's plate was the better one. So Van and Ruk pulled their hair and cried out that they still had not learned which was the better plate. And so they decided they needed yet another person to break the tie, and gave the Man and the Woman their distinctive features, so that they would have a child.<br /> <br /> The first time Woman gave birth, she gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, and the boy agreed with his father, and the girl with her mother. And so Van and Ruk waited.<br /> <br /> The second time Woman gave birth, she gave birth to quadruplets, two boys and two girls, and the two boys agreed with their father, and the two girls with their mother. And so Van and Ruk waited. The third time Woman gave birth, she gave birth to sextuplets, three boys and three girls, and the three boys agreed with their father, and the three girls with their mother.<br /> <br /> Ruk finally grew impatient of waiting, and he took both of the plates and flung them into the sky, cursing, &quot;Let you fly off into the sky like a bird, let you hide under the ground like a root!&quot; Van's plate became the Sun, and Ruk's plate became the Moon, and because Ruk had cursed them both to fly like birds and burrow like roots, they keep rising through the sky and falling under the ground, day after day, year after year. And this is also how Man and Woman first came to be, and even to this day they often do not agree about what is best.<br /> <br /> -- This story was collected from an illiterate peasant woman in the Sresar Vale by Professor Kenglith of the Royal Arangothian University, a close colleague of Serisious Blendwythe. <br /> <br /> [[Category:Arangothian Customs and Rituals]] [[Category: Menxism]] [[Category: Religion]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Templars_of_Menxvan&diff=4593 2013-05-05T23:59:17Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox<br /> |title = Menxvan Worship<br /> <br /> |image = [[image:Menxvan1.jpg|260px]]<br /> |headerstyle = background:#C3C3C3;<br /> |labelstyle = background:#DEDEDE; width:33%;<br /> <br /> |header5 = Religion Information<br /> |label6 = Type<br /> |data6 = Duotheistic<br /> |label8 = Deity(ies) Worshipped<br /> |data8 = [[Templars of Menxvan| Menxvan]]<br /> |label9 = Regional Origins<br /> |data9 = Unknown<br /> |label10 = Symbol<br /> |data10 = The Letter &quot;V&quot;, Serpent Swallowing Tail, etc.<br /> }}<br /> <br /> The Templars are an order of Menxvanic Knights, dedicated to defending the Menxvanic faith, protecting Menxvan's followers, as well as guarding Menxvan's temples, shrines, and other holy sites. Traditionally, they have also been dedicated supporters of the [[Arangoth]]ian monarchs, and have formed an elite corps in the Arangothian armies in times of war.<br /> <br /> The symbol of the Templars is a green serpent swallowing its tail, surrounded by a sunburst, with a sword in the center. The Templars display this symbol on their armor, or wear a pendant around their neck when unarmored. <br /> <br /> =Forts=<br /> <br /> ==Prakanthoss==<br /> <br /> Located high in the mountains of [[Ruthmarna]], this ancient monastery has trained both human and dwarven Templars for centuries. The monastery's name means 'the anvil' in [[Arangothek|Arangothian]], and it is said the place where Templars are molded from ordinary people. This is usually the first place young Initiates are sent for training, where they undergo a strenuous regime of prayer and physical exertion in the cold, thin mountain air. Templars learn the disciplines of Holy Fast and Holy Endurance in this unforgiving environment to prepare them for future hardships in the service of Menxvan. Gessiods also receive basic arms and hand to hand combat training during their time here. The monastery was overrun by monsters when [[Gadpisi]] opened portals to foul realms during the civil war, and it has only recently been reclaimed by the Templars and returned to its former state. Prakanthoss is home to at least two forty man detachments of Templars in training at any given time, as well as one detachment of trainers and an active duty detachment.<br /> <br /> ==Sonkovath village==<br /> <br /> This monastery is located in a small mountain village on the western side of the Skull Teeth, the mountain range that divides [[Outer Arangoth]] and [[Leptatarna]] (Inner Arangoth). It is in this secluded stronghold that young Gessiods receive their education, both religious and secular, as well as continue the arms training begun at Prakanthoss. Sonkovath is home to a cadre of Templar Mentors, and is generally the place where retired Templars focus on their spiritual devotions after ending their active service to the order. Aside from the teachers and students, Sonkovath maintains one forty man detachment of Templars on active service. The original monastary at Sonkovath was destroyed by the Order of the Beady Eye during the civil war to open the pass into Leptatarna. The stronghold has since been rebuilt, though several of the artifacts that used to reside in Sonkovath were either destroyed or stolen in the attack.<br /> <br /> ==Shiskwa==<br /> <br /> Shiskwa is actually outside of Arangoth, located on the north shore of [[Song Deep]] at the mouth of the River Tkhonu, on the lands of the Menxvan-worshipping Hoshk tribe in [[Kahlahra]]. The rough lands of Kahlahra are a proving ground for young Templars, where they practice the ways of the celebrated Templar endurance, as well as learn horsemanship from renowned Khalar horsemen. In addition to horsemanship, the proving grounds at Shiskwa teach advanced arms training and unit drilling. The fortress at Shiskwa houses up to four forty man detachments of Templars in training, one detachment of trainers, and one active duty detachment. In return for spiritual guidance from the Templars, the Hoshk have a longstanding practice of donating horses to the Templars as offerings to Menxvan.<br /> <br /> ==Castle of Gessihorna==<br /> <br /> Gessihorna is the last fully manned outpost of the Templars of Menxvan, and traditionally the residence of the Lord Templar. The position of Vorfon ul-Gessihorna has been held by Templars of the Sanskaranth family for centuries, and it was the family's duties as vassals of the Arangothian monarchs that first forged the link between the Crown and the Templars. Located hard on the shores of the strait that divides Song Deep from Little Deep, Gessihorna is the largest fortified structure castle in the kingdom, large enough to contain a small town within its walls. Gessihorna's defenses are a marvel of Arangothain engineering, designed by Templars with the aid of their ancestral spirits, and modified and expanded several times since the stronghold's original founding. Such is its reputation as an impregnable fortress that it was not attacked at all by the forces of the [[Order of the Beady Eye]] during the civil war, and was flooded with refugees fleeing the war after the fall of [[Tagrana]]. Gessihorna absorbed a considerable portion of Tagrana's population after the war, causing a new town to spring up around the walls of the castle in the years since the civil war. Gessihorna boasts ten forty-man detachments of Templars, plus a permanent garrison of four additional detachments that remain to defend the stronghold in times of war. In addition to the Templar forces, there is a sizable contingent of the [[Provincial Guard]] stationed in Gessihorna under the command of the Lord Templar, serving as the town's police force in peace, and defenders in war. How the new town will affect the stronghold in future wars is not known yet, as there had not been a significant civilian population in the area during past conflicts. Most people are of the opinion that the stronghold could probably house the entire population of the town if the need to do so arose, though.<br /> <br /> ==[[Millabratel]]==<br /> <br /> Situated at the crossroads that connects [[Drache]], [[Arania]], and the [[Sresar Vale]], the town of Millabratel was the only remaining significant outpost for the Templars in the southern part of the kingdom for many years. The Menxvanic Temple complex at Millabratel is located in the center of the city, where the three roads converge. Millabratel was the provincial capitol of [[Transdariania]] before [[BLKDRAGON]] and [[AngelSin]] founded their capitol at Drache, and has a permanent population of approximately ten thousand (though this number can double during important religious holidays). Millabratel boasts a full forty man detachment, as well as a number of students undergoing advanced studies in the High Templar disciplines. Each of the other Menxvanic temples in the southern provinces of Arangoth has at least one templar (as many as five in the case of larger Temples), though all the Templars in Transadariania, Arania, and the Sresar Vale report to the Patriarch of Millabratel. Aside from its strategic location, Millabratel has remained an important center for the Templars because it is a repository for several important relics, including the original copy of the Book of Metrarin, a set of spiritual meditative exercises which is essential in mastering the Templars' ability to commune with ancestral spirits.<br /> <br /> ==[[Drache]]==<br /> <br /> The Templar order's newest stronghold is a fortified temple surrounded by an octagonal wall in Drache's [[Wharf District]]. In the wake of the destruction caused by the [[Cult of Anathema]] in the year 475, the Patriarch of Millabratel pledged the Templars' assistance with the rebuilding efforts in return for a grant of land to build a new temple to serve as a place of refuge in future disasters. While it was unusual for the Templars to build a new stronghold in the middle of a city, the order considered it a vital outpost in the struggle against evil. The new Drache stronghold houses a half-strength detachment of twenty Templars led by a Master Templar, half of which is ordinarily deployed to protect the [[Royal University]] and the Temple of Menxvan in the [[Royal Church District]]. The stronghold's staff also includes several priests and healers to attend to the needs of the faithful, as well as prospective Gessiods receiving initial introduction to the order before traveling north to Prakanthoss.<br /> <br /> =Code of Conduct=<br /> <br /> All Templars swear eternal loyalty to Menxvan, and vow to protect his followers and his temples. Furthermore, they are dedicated to spread the teachings of Menxvan as far as possible, and teach by example. Templars realize that they are looked up to by most people, and strive to be role models for those around them. Humility is also a particularly stressed virtue, as arrogance makes it easy to slip from the Templar's path.<br /> <br /> ==The Templar's Oath==<br /> <br /> &quot;Menxvan is my lord and the father of my order as well as my first and foremost duty. His followers shall be my brethren, his temples my home. Those who would threaten these shall be my foes. Those who are not my brethren nor my foes are those who I must strive to demonstrate the rightness of Menxvan's ways to. In trying to teach his ways, I will remain humble. Never shall I let my arrogance overcome me, lest it lead me off Menxvan's righteous and just path.&quot; <br /> <br /> =Structure of the Templars=<br /> <br /> ==Military Structure==<br /> <br /> ===Initiate ( Gessiod )===<br /> <br /> This is the lowest tier of the military organization of the Templars, and the rank at which all Templars begin their service to the order. Military Initiates are generally new recruits, or those who have yet to be tested in actual combat. Initiates are technically not allowed to call themselves Templars, but rather refer to themselves as Initiates in the Order of Templars.<br /> <br /> ===Templar (Vilkatire)===<br /> <br /> This is the rank of the majority of the Templars, Spiritual Initiates, as well as High Templars. This rank is reserved for veteran Templars that have proven themselves in the field. Though it is rare to find a High Templar ranked as an Initiate, the promotion to Templar must be earned, and is not given away for any reason. Battle counts as facing off against a real opponent outside the safety of the strongholds, whether the battle be a physical fight, or simply standing up for someone's rights in a case of injustice.<br /> <br /> ===Mentor (Sethrod Vilkatire)===<br /> <br /> These are the officers of the Templars, and serve as both leaders and teachers to their subordinates. A standard forty man detachment of Templars is usually divided into four squads of ten, with a Mentor at the head of each squad. Spiritual Initiates are just as likely to become Mentors as High Templars.<br /> <br /> ===Knight Templar (Gemarind Vilkatire)===<br /> <br /> Knight Templars serve as the commanding officer of a forty man detachment, and are always selected from High Templars that have reached the rank of Sustainer or higher.<br /> <br /> ===Lord Templar (Vorfon Vilkatire)===<br /> <br /> Only one Templar holds this rank at any time, as this is the supreme military leader of the order. The Lord Templar is given full discretion to choose the appropriate course of action in all military matters which concern the Templars, and is also responsible for making sure that young Templars receive the proper training at the various strongholds. The Lord Templar is elected by a meeting of all the Patriarchs and Matriarchs in council, and serves until death or retirement. <br /> <br /> ==Spiritual Structure==<br /> <br /> ===Initiate (Gessiod)===<br /> <br /> Initiates are rank and file Templars. Though devoted to Menxvan and defending the faith, they simply do not possess combination of gifts that allow one to progress further on the path of spiritual enlightenment. Initiates are for the most part ordinary people, though underestimating a Templar in battle is generally a mistake that most opponents do not live long enough to make twice.<br /> <br /> ===Acolyte (Bathrad Vilkatire)===<br /> <br /> This is the first level of the ranks of the High Templars (Sith Vilkatirel). Advancing beyond the Initiate state requires measuring up to very exacting standards of physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. It is strength of body, strength of mind, and strength of faith that allow Templars to call upon their unique gifts. Many of the Templars' special skills require the Templar to enter a meditative state, focusing the will, and opening the mind to receive Menxvan's favors. Only a few individuals can walk this path, and fewer still can remain upon it without slipping. Acolytes are just beginning to learn the ways of the High Templars, still learning to harness the supernatural-seeming powers of the Templars, and making their first contact with ancestral spirits.<br /> <br /> ===Sustainer (Golthratire Vilkatire)===<br /> <br /> As a Templar gains experience in the Templar disciplines and has sustained the intense, disciplined devotion necessary to follow the Templar ways, he or she is awarded the honored rank of Sustainer. Achieving this rank is a sign that the Templar has the talent and determination to remain upon the path of the Temlar disciplines without faltering, and has maintained the proper attitude. It is often tempting to use the Templar abilities for frivolous or selfish reasons, and this often breeds the arrogance that cause some Templars to stray from the cause. Sustainers have proven to have the willpower and wisdom to resist this temptation. Sustainers have become adept at the meditative disciplines of the Templars, and command a wider array of abilities than Acolytes. Sustainers also commune with the other world more frequently, and begin reaching beyond the lowest levels into worlds that only a few have ever seen.<br /> <br /> ===Master (Apettod Vilkatire)===<br /> <br /> As the name implies, attainment of this rank is reserved to experienced Templars that have mastered the Templar disciplines, and can commune with spirits of legendary beings. All High Templars are mystics and visionaries at least to some degree, having a very strong connection to the otherworldly, but Masters can open their minds to higher levels of the afterlife that would drive ordinary people insane. For this reason, many people find the presence of a Master intimidating, as they seem to look through one, rather than at one. Spending any length of time in their presence will make it apparent that their senses reach beyond the ordinary, into something that most people can only guess the nature of. Masters serve as teachers and spiritual parents to the Templars, guiding them on the path to spiritual enlightenment. Master Templars are ordained priests of Menxvan and have full authority to conduct religious rituals and lead congregations in worship.<br /> <br /> ===Patriarch/Matriarch (Sithapsi/Sithnerre Vilkatire)===<br /> <br /> The spiritual leaders of the Templars, Patriarchs represent the zenith of the Templar disciplines. Each Templar stronghold is led by a Patriarch or Matriarch, who provides guidance and instruction to even the Masters. Patriarchs rarely leave the temples to take the field of battle, only doing so in times of great peril. Though Patriarchs and Matriarchs are often advanced in years (rarely younger than fifty), they are still more than a match for a score of ordinary soldiers. Patriarchs are considered prelates of the Menxvanic faith and command considerable respect from the faithful.<br /> <br /> =Training=<br /> <br /> Generally, Templar training takes place within the confines of the various Templar strongholds throughout the land. Templars prefer to train new Initiates from as early an age as possible, though they will not turn away a promising applicant on the basis of age. There have been several cases throughout history of individuals harnessing the Templar disciplines without having received any formal training. This is sometimes the case in descendents of famous Templars who are unaware of their heritage, or children whose parents do not wish them to follow the ways of the Templars. In these rare instances, the individual is visited in his or her sleep by ancestral spirits who teach the Templar disciplines through dreams. If the individual in question takes heed of the instruction and practices it, her or she may very well develop abilities equivalent to that of an Acolyte without setting foot within a Templar stronghold. Almost all of these individuals eventually seek out the Templars to advance their training. <br /> <br /> =TEMPLAR ABILITIES=<br /> <br /> Not all Templars can use all the abilities listed below. Learning and mastering these abilities is part of the process of training and progression within the order. Those higher in the hierarchy have access to more abilities, and can use them to a degree not possible by lesser Templars.<br /> <br /> ==Holy Endurance==<br /> <br /> This ability, which allows Templars to ignore pain and fatigue is one of the primary reasons for the Templars' almost legendary toughness, and has led to the expression &quot;Templars stop fighting when their hearts stop beating.&quot;<br /> <br /> ==Holy Fast==<br /> <br /> Another mind over body discipline, this discipline allows the Templar to alter his or her own metabolism to a degree, making the absorption of nutrition from food and drink much more efficient, as well as dramatically increasing the efficiency of the body's use of water and nutrients. This permits Templars to survive for long periods of time on very little food and drink. This has obvious advantages for spending long periods in the wilderness, as well as during sieges in times of war. Attempting to use Holy Endurance simultaneously with this power is extremely dangerous for a Templar, and should not be tried (though some still do in desperate situations).<br /> <br /> =High Templar Abilities=<br /> <br /> ==Healing Trance==<br /> <br /> This meditative trance focuses all of the Templar's energies inward, accelerating the natural healing processes of the body, sometimes cutting convalescence from injuries or illness in half. This requires all of a Templar's concentration, so the Templar can not use any other abilities simultaneously, nor can he or she engage in strenuous activity. As this intense concentration lowers one's awareness of the outside world, this is a power that is generally not used unless the Templar is in a place of relative safety.<br /> <br /> ==Dreamwalk==<br /> <br /> As mentioned before, Templars have a strong connection to the otherworldly, and can even enter the Dreamworld, the first level of the other world, to commune with the spirits of the recently deceased at night. A Templar can also seek out the mind of any other sleeping Templar and establish contact to hold short conversations. Use of this power is taxing, so conversations are usually kept as brief as possible, lest both Templars awaken in the morning feeling as if they had not slept at all. This is used primarily to communicate urgent messages to Templars in distant strongholds rapidly, yet another factor that makes the Templars a very formidable force in times of war.<br /> <br /> ==Succor==<br /> <br /> The most powerful of Menxvan's favors to his Templars is the ability to draw on the abilities of ancestors in time of need. Templars can commune with the spirits of their ancestors to benefit from their knowledge, seek their counsel for advice in times of need, and even draw on skills that they may not themselves possess. For example, a Templar may wish to call on the skill of an ancestor that was a bladesmith to guide his hands, and give him the knowledge to forge a sword. More powerful Templars can make contact with higher planes of the other world, and seek out more legendary ancestors to aid them. This by no means a simple process. The Templar must know which ancestor he or she wishes to contact beforehand, then must embark on a spiritual journey to find that ancestor in a meditative vision. The Templar must then convince the ancestor in question of the need for that spirit's aid. The spirits are people with needs and motivations of their own, not simply servants, so proper respect for them must be shown. They can and will refuse to intervene in matters they find frivolous, and often require some sort of payment for their assistance. No Templar can benefit from the assistance of more than one ancestral spirit at once, nor can the same spirit aid more than one Templar at a time.<br /> <br /> ==&quot;Invisibility&quot;==<br /> <br /> The Templar can make himself invisible to one person at a time. The affected person simply believes that they see only empty space where the Templar stands. This effect is maintained only as long as the Templar concentrates on making that person not see them. Use of this power is almost impossible against someone who is looking at the Templar, as it is extremely difficult to convince that person that the Templar is not really there.<br /> <br /> ==Second Sight==<br /> <br /> This discipline literally allows Templars to see with their mind instead of their eyes. Acolytes can only vaguely perceive the mental auras of sentient beings (which can be immensely useful when fighting in dark or smoke-filled areas), while Masters of the discipline can use it as a replacement for ocular vision. Nimpe Ul-Alathar, for example, was able to lead her troops into battle during the [[Sherkhen War]] despite being blind from birth. Those experienced with the use of this discipline can gather a great deal of information from observing a person using the Second Sight. Such things as approximate age, sex, race, and general emotional state can be easily discerned (which is useful in seeing through illusions). Some Templars can even tell if two people are related simply by looking for similarities in the psychic auras.<br /> <br /> ==Warrior's Instinct==<br /> <br /> While engaged in combat, this ability allows Templars to alter their perception of time, making it seem as if everything is moving in slow motion, thus giving Templars more time to anticipate and respond to their opponents' attacks. This power becomes even more deadly under the command of a Master Templar, as it actually accelerates the Templar's reflexes. Comparatively speaking, the Templar feels as if he or she is moving and reacting normally against a host of slow-moving opponents.<br /> <br /> ==Communicate with Undead==<br /> <br /> The Templar ability to commune with the spirits of the dead extends to the spirits of sentient undead beings. When using this ability, the Templar can keep an undead creature at bay and prevent it from attacking. Furthermore, the Templar can engage the undead creature in conversation about the details of that creature's life and death. This is generally used to ascertain how to lay a wandering spirit to rest and send it on to the afterlife where it belongs. Certain powerful undead (liches in particular) that entered the state of undeath willingly are immune to this ability.<br /> <br /> ==Empathic Bond==<br /> <br /> Most common among the Khalar-born Templars, this discipline allows a Templar to form a permanent link with his or her preferred mount. This greatly increases a Templar's ability to train and control a mount, making possible truly spectacular feats of horsemanship (or the handling of any other mount). In addition to being able to communicate with the mount almost as if it were a person, the Templar may also communicate it at a distance, summoning it when needed, or giving it instructions when it carries another rider. A Templar can be bonded to only one mount at a time, and the death of a bonded mount is often a traumatic experience for the Templar.<br /> <br /> ==Sight to the Blinded==<br /> <br /> This power is not literally what its name might imply, but it is a potent ability nonetheless. Through logic and reasoning, a Templar of Menxvan can eventually break the effects of a charming enchantment upon the subject addressed. The Templar must speak to the charmed person alone and for a length of time that reflects the power of the charm to break the enchantment.<br /> <br /> ==Stand as a Rock==<br /> <br /> With this particular ability, used famously by the [[Lord Templar Illurst]] in his last stand, a Templar is able to stay upright through all manner of blows. Regardless of what it might be, spell, blow or something else, one cannot move the Templar unless the Templar wishes to. However, for the Templar to properly use this power, they must stand completely still and not move. Once they have moved of their own free will, the power ceases. Formations of similarly skilled High Templars in times past were known to ferociously hold themselves in shield wall formations against many times their number with this ability. <br /> <br /> =Longevity=<br /> <br /> The Templars' excellent physical conditioning and iron discipline allows them to continue active military service long after ordinary knights would have left their arms and armor behind. There have been instances in the past of certain Templars (this includes Initiates, as well as High Templars) continuing their service in the order well into their seventies before retiring.<br /> <br /> [[Category: Menxism]]</div>

Bornfor http://www.blkdragon.com/wiki/index.php?title=Menxism&diff=4592 2013-05-05T23:58:29Z

<p>Bornfor: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Infobox<br /> |title = Menxism<br /> <br /> |image = [[image:Menxruk.jpg|200px]]<br /> |headerstyle = background:#C3C3C3;<br /> |labelstyle = background:#DEDEDE;<br /> <br /> |header5 = Religion Information<br /> |label6 = Type<br /> |data6 = Monotheistic (largely)<br /> |label8 = Deity(ies) Worshipped<br /> |data8 = Menxvan, [[Guardians of Menxruk|Menxruk]]<br /> |label9 = Regional Origins<br /> |data9 = Unknown<br /> |label10 = Symbol<br /> |data10 = Various<br /> }}<br /> <br /> In the beginning there was only Menxned (All-One). There was no universe as we understand it, since the universe is many, and there was only the One. Menxned was the highest form of being, omniscient, omnipotent, infinite, perfect in unity and simplicity. All things were in it, and all things came from it. As simply as it can be put in terms of mortal understanding, Menxned WAS. Menxned was the purest form of existence, freed of any of the limitations of finite beings.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> At a point in the distant past, Menxned divided into [[Menxvan]] (All-Good) and [[Menxruk]] (All-Evil). The entire universe arose from this division, the Many sprung forth from the One, the complex from the simple, the opposed from the unified. No one knows for sure precisely why this happened, but it is believed that Menxned became bored after eons of of a solitary, static existence, and the tripartite division of Menxned into Menxvan, Menxruk, and the universe occurred because of a desire for something different.<br /> <br /> Menxvan and Menxruk are opposed to each other in all things, and have contended with one another since their first moments of existence. In fact, the creation of life stemmed from a desire for someone to settle one of their quarrels. Menxvan and Menxruk are equal in strength, and try as they might, neither can defeat the other. That is why mortals are of such importance to them. Their actions can tip the balance in favor of one or the other. Neither deity can be totally defeated, nor can either of them be destroyed. However, one can gain the upper hand temporarily (whether for minutes, hours, days, months, even years) through the actions of their followers. It is a tenet of both Menxvanic and Menxrukic philosophy that even a single person taking the appropriate action at the appropriate time can shift the balance toward one deity or the other.<br /> <br /> Followers of Menxvan believe that the best way to shift the balance in the favor of the good is to do good deeds whenever possible, and to encourage one's fellows to do good as well. Certain extreme Menxvanic sects have interpreted this philosophical tenet as a divine mandate for rabid evangelization, but such sects generally do not remain in existence for very long. The majority of Menxvanists are strongly opposed to forced religious conversions.<br /> <br /> Menxruk, of course, takes a different approach to trying to tilt the contest in his favor. Among his favorite tactics are sending plagues and natural disasters to destroy groups of Menxvanists; sending his followers to infiltrate and corrupt groups and organizations, subtly working to turn them toward the dark paths; and heaping misfortunes upon followers of Menxvan to try to get them to renounce their faith. Menxvan, for his part, is able to prevent or minimize much of the harm that Menxruk attempts, though not all of it. Similarly, Menxruk can not take away all the blessings that Menxvan bestows on his followers.<br /> <br /> Menxvan and Menxruk will never settle their contest with one another, but they will tire of it eventually. In the end, Menxvan and Menxruk will reunite, and the universe as we know it will cease to exist as Menxned is reborn, and all things become One once again.<br /> <br /> While Menxvan and Menxruk are opposed in all things, their dominion overlaps in many places. The Cosmos is not simply divided up between them; most things have a dual nature and are shared by both. Each deity has their preferences: Menxvan prefers light while Menxruk prefers darkness, Menxvan prefers order while Menxruk prefers chaos, etc. This is not to say that Menxvan is the god of light, or that Menxruk is the god of chaos. Many things can be good or evil, helpful or harmful, and this is why both gods have such wide spheres of influence. Fire can provide warmth and light, as well as cause death and destruction. Laws can protect the people, or oppress them. As stated before, many things are without an inherent inclination toward good or evil, and the intent behind a particular action or event is what places it under a particular god's dominion. The only things that can be placed directly under either god's dominion are certain abstract concepts. For example, Menxvan is associated with good, purity, justice, virtue, etc; Menxruk is associated with evil, corruption, injustice, vice, etc.<br /> <br /> Male terminology is frequently used for referring to Menxvan and Menxruk, a custom dating back to some of the earliest stories about Menxvan and Menxruk. These tales comes from Menxism's roots as a primitive, tribal folk religion that portrayed both deities as anthropomorphic beings (essentially, very powerful humans). Current thought holds that both deities are sexless entities, or at least have no sex in the sense that mortals do. Menxned was all things, and Menxvan and Menxruk came forth from Menxned. Both deities contain elements of both the masculine and the feminine, and have manifested themselves as either sex as need or desire suited them. Interestingly, Menxvan is almost exclusively referred to as feminine in devotions that deal with fertility and agriculture among certain rural Menxvanic sects.<br /> <br /> In general, people pray to Menxvan to bring good things, and to Menxruk to avoid misfortune, or to bring misfortune on someone else. Menxruk is not shunned, but rather given a certain respect even by the most devout Menxvanists. Evil has its place in the cosmic order, even if one does not wish it to dominate, and Menxruk is given at least some minor devotion to placate him and try to convince him not to send misfortune. This does not mean, however, that followers of Menxvan are passive toward evil, or particularly tolerant toward servants of evil gods. In many mythoi, gods of evil can not create, merely pervert and twist what already exists to serve their purposes. This is not true of Menxruk. While he prefers destruction to creation, he is more than capable of creating when he feels the desire to do so. Similarly, Menxvan is capable of destruction, but simply chooses not to do harm.<br /> <br /> Menxvan and Menxruk are both quite tolerant of other faiths, as far as deities go, and this extends down to the clergy and followers of both deities. The theory behind this is that anyone that does good helps Menxvan, while anyone that does evil helps Menxruk. The only followers of foreign deities that are not welcome are followers of neutral gods that seek balance in all things (as such individuals would work to bring the contest to a stalemate), and militant faiths that are hostile toward other religions. Menxruk has even gone so far as to impersonate other deities in the past to gain the devotion of certain powerful followers of evil deities from other worlds. It should be noted, however, that certain extreme sects (such as the now-defunct Cult of the Silver Flame) are militantly opposed to foreigners and foreign deities, but these people represent a small minority.<br /> (Note: The various sects of Menxvanism are open to further development, as are more detailed explanations of religious beliefs and practices, as well as further stories for the religious mythology.)<br /> <br /> =Fate= <br /> <br /> A belief in an absolute fate or destiny would presuppose the existence of another divine entity or agency, or would presuppose a pre-agreement between Menxvan and Menxruk over the fate of a particular mortal. Rather, both branches of Menxism have a philosophy of self-determination, that one makes one's own fate to a degree. No child is born inherently good or evil, but rather, their upbringing and their own actions determine who they will be. This is not to say that all things are under the control of the person. It is freely acknowledged that there are many things beyond the control of mortals, but it is everyone's lot in life to make the most of what they have. Many people do, however, believe in the existence of a limited sort of fate, and intercede with Menxvan to alter fate. Left as they are, things will resolve themselves in a certain way. The outcome of things under these circumstances is perceived as &quot;fate.&quot; Intercession with higher powers might bring them to act on one's behalf, or show one how to alter one's own fate.<br /> <br /> =The Afterlife= <br /> <br /> In all, there are ten levels of existence to the universe. All non-divine beings begin life as mortals in the first level, the world of the living. The other nine levels are known collectively as the other world, or the afterlife. Death is the passing from the mortal realms into eternity. To a Menxvanist, life truly is a first, temporary stage of a much longer journey. The afterlife is sometimes colloquially referred to as the nine heavens or the nine hells, though both names are something of a mistranslation of the concept. The Arangothian language does not have separate words for heaven and hell, only degdrelth, the 'other-world.' Mortals know very little about most of these. The first, and lowest, is the Dreamworld, which mortals visit when they are dreaming. It is to this world that mortal spirits first gravitate when they have died in the living world. This is why one can meet the recently deceased in dreams.<br /> <br /> Once there, perhaps, spirits can see (in something similar to &quot;dreaming&quot; here) into the second, next-highest level of the other world. One way in which the first heaven is different from earth is that the forces of Menxvan and Menxruk are physically disparate there, having resolved into something like two vast empires. Thus a person might, indeed, end up in one or another &quot;region&quot; of the Dreamworld. This might also be associated with the difference between dreams and nightmares, and between dreams that correctly predict the future, and those that deceive. People &quot;die&quot; in the first heaven as well, and pass on into subsequent heavens, but little is known about these. Dying is admittedly a rather inaccurate analogy, but the process does involve a passing from one state of existence, and the beginning of a new existence on a new plane. It is not known precisely what is involved in this process of transcendence, but it apparently has something to do with strength of character and devotion to one's deity. Few living mortals ever catch a glimpse into the higher heavens, and those that do often can not comprehend what they see. A &quot;holy&quot; person in the world of the living is perhaps one of those who is believed to be able to dream while still living into the higher heavens, enabling contact with powerful beings and some degree of ability to foretell things to come. Each plane or level of the other world increases in proximity to one's deity, and becomes increasingly dissimilar to the world of the living. In the ninth and highest level of the other world reside very powerful beings that have advanced that high; each ascent presumably brings greater powers over the lower heavens and the mortal world. The ninth heaven/hell brings mortals into the closest proximity to the deities possible. They can communicate with Menxvan or Menxruk &quot;face-to-face,&quot; as we talk among ourselves.<br /> <br /> Certain beings that have ascended to the upper levels of the other world maintain an active interest in the affairs of mortals in the world of the living, doing what they can to help the followers of their particular deity. These figures are sometimes mistakenly referred to as demigods, or even minor deities by those unfamiliar with the tenets of Menxism, though neither description is entirely accurate. They are simply figures with a closer proximity to Mexvan or Menxruk, who intercede between mortals and the deities.<br /> <br /> One of the most widely known of such benevolent intercessor figures is Gigsin, the founder of a sect of Menxvanism widely followed in Hornath-ul-Marfed and the surrounding area. She was a Menxvanic priestess in the days after the [[Igmerinds]] subjugated the less sophisticated [[Goxal]]. Renowned for her great beauty, she was forced to marry the Igmerind ruler, the Sithire Kengail, against her will. She was also known for her formidable intellect, and became the first great Menxvanic theologian. She made the best of her situation, using her position as the Sithire's wife to aid the poor, and convert the conquering Igmerinds to the Goxal religion. In the end, Kengail died without an heir, a punishment said to be visited upon him by Menxvan for his impiety. The spot where Gigsin's house used to stand in Hornath-ul-Marfed is now a shrine with several dedicated Menxvanic priestesses who entreat her to bring the deity's favor upon the city and its people. [This has featured subtly in the Arlok storyline.]<br /> <br /> Gigsin is by no means the only such figure, and other powerful beings are known to have an interest in the mortal realm. Another is Naarundil, who is said to have encouraged the formation of the Templars of Menxvan and taught the Templar disciplines to Metrarin. Stories portray Naarundil as a wandering hero, turning up in unexpectedly to work mighty deeds and protect Menxvan's faithful, and then leaving as suddenly as he came. Lartha (sometimes called Larfa) is traditionally said to be Menxvan's personal bard and the greatest incarnation of poetic virtuosity. Inora the Snake Maiden is said to have revealed the arts of medicine and healing magics to mortals. Much to the annoyance of Father [[Kylus Dragonsbane]], many Menxvanic theologians consider Pallodain one of these entities in Menxvan's service.<br /> <br /> Among Menxruk's most infamous servants is Kolpetir the Faithless, who raises up servants for Menxruk in the lower worlds and grants them various powers in Menxruk's name, only to abandon them whenever doing so will cause them the greatest harm. The name Galgroth the Witherer is particularly feared, an entity who delights in plagues and famines above all else. When he chooses to manifest himself visibly, he has the appearance of a corpse writhing with maggots that spread disease wherever they fall.<br /> <br /> Menxvanic teaching holds that Menxvan and Menxruk are transendent beings, and mortal minds are not capable of comprehending direct communication with the deities. Thus, they communicate with their mortal followers through these powerful servants. Many followers of Menxruk believe that this is nonsense, but the the fact that there are often multiple individuals claiming to be Menxruk's high priest or chosen champion may indicate that Menxruk's servants are either pretending to be the All-Evil when interacting with mortals, or are pursuing their own agendas using Menxruk's name. Regardless of the source of this confusion, Menxruk seems to at least tolerate it, or may even encourage this division to weed out weak followers.<br /> <br /> =Worship of Menxvan and Menxruk= <br /> <br /> The structure and hierarchy of organized Menxvan worship is open to development. Perhaps it is governed by a council of the leaders of the largest sects in the kingdom. (Or perhaps it isn't. This is something that will need to be worked out in the future.) As both deities have such wide spheres of influence, there are a variety of Menxvanic and Menxrukic sects, and a wide variety of worship. (This has a lot of potential here for player innovation.) Menxvan worship in rural areas tends to focus more on nature and fertility aspects due to importance of agriculture. In contrast, Menxvanic worship in urban areas tends to be more philosphical and intellectual, overall more complex than many of the folkish rural sects. The varying sects can take widely different philosophies and approaches toward the same subject. For example, on the subject of warfare, sects can vary in philosophy from militaristic to pacifistic, or any stance in between.<br /> <br /> In the absence of any authoritative &quot;sacred writ&quot; of the Menxvanic faith, the poetic work ''[[Dream of the Nine Otherworlds|Mintrat ul Pinquo Degdrelthoss]]'' (Dream of the Nine Otherworlds) has often been considered the closest thing to this. Note that this account is not accepted by all followers of Menxvan or Menxruk, but that it is widely referred to as an authority and has considerable cultural weight.<br /> <br /> Worship of Menxruk is much more disorganized, and individualized, with little in the way of a formal theology. Large gatherings of Menxrukists would be a glaring target for Menxvanic warriors. Indeed, worship of Menxruk need not take any specific form, and depends largely on the whims of the priest leading the ritual. Cannibalism, human sacrifice, blood drinking, and bacchic orgies are have been practiced by sects claiming loyalty to Menxruk, but there are other, more subtle ways to do Menxruk's will. Menxruk accepts blatant atrocities as acts of devotion, though he prefers subtlety. Such overt acts are merely a distraction from the true source of evil, and intended to be as much. True evil is darker, more mysterious, and more difficult to track down. The worst mischiefs are done out of sight by Menxruk's more insidious agents while the heroes of the land are off battling obvious foes. The surest way to destroy something is not through brute force, but rather by corrupting it. Even the strongest, purest things things will rot and fall apart if infiltrated by perverting influences.<br /> <br /> Two distinct groups exist out of the differing worships:<br /> <br /> The [[Templars of Menxvan]]and the [[Guardians of Menxruk]].<br /> <br /> =Symbology=<br /> <br /> There are a variety of symbols that have become associated with Menxvan over the years. The color green is a very important symbolic color, representing life, prosperity, and fertility. Serpent imagery is also common, especially of a serpent swallowing its tail. (See Pat Feaster's file on Arangothian customs and note the uses of both serpent imagery and the color green in weddings and funerals) Third, the sun is also a symbol associated with Menxvan, due to the ancient creation myth. Finally, the character in the Arangothian alphabet that stands for the letter V (first letter of van, the word for good) is also used a symbol, though this is a fairly recent development. It is frequently used in religious jewelry, carved into stone in religious sites, or used in combination with other symbols. In addition, there are a number of other religious symbols; these are infrequently used, or associated only with particular rituals or holidays.<br /> <br /> As mentioned above, green is an important color in Menxvanic worship. Typical garb for performing religious rituals is a green robe, often with accents of other colors depending on the type of ceremony (white for purifications, black for funerals, etc). There is considerable variation in the priestly accoutrements among the various sects. (Modes of dress for particular sects is open to development).<br /> <br /> Since Menxruk's faith is largely underground and scattered, there is an even greater variety of symbols used by Menxruk's faithful in their worship. Menxrukic symbols tend to be inversions of Menxvanic symbols, preferably ones that are innocuous looking and easily concealed. The Arangothian letter R (for Ruk) is common, as are broken or incomplete circles, venomous snakes, crescent moons (since Menxruk is said to have created the moon), and sometimes mushrooms (which look harmless, but may in fact be deadly). There are many others which may be used only in certain areas or by certain sects, or are the mark of a particular priest.<br /> <br /> =The Priesthood=<br /> <br /> It is equally possible for men and women to become servants of Menxvan or Menxruk. (The specifics of the religious training are open for development). There are two major divisions of the Menxvanic priesthood: priests and priestesses, and holy men and holy women. Both receive the same religious training, and both have the same spiritual authority to perform religious ceremonies and rituals. The simple difference is that priests and priestesses are associated with one of the various temples throughout the land, while holy men and women are not. Holy men and women are wanderers, traveling throughout the kingdom, and even into other lands, to minister to people not within traveling distance of a temple. They perform an invaluable service in remote, rural areas, or in foreign lands with Menxvan-worshipping populations. Priests are allowed to marry and have children. In some sects, priests are expected to have a family, in others, staying single may be seen as a more virtuous calling, devoting oneself completely to Menxvan as it were.<br /> <br /> =Temples= <br /> <br /> Temples originally started out as an appropriately purified place where rituals can take place without the possibility of corruption. In the earliest days, they were simply caves or small huts, but they have evolved over the years into larger buildings devoted entirely to religious purposes, and sometimes entire complexes of buildings. Some temples have been built on sites associated with close communion with the other world, and others are repositories of relics, such as the mortal remains, or important possessions of particularly holy individuals. This is thought to make it more likely that the prayers of those within the temple are more likely to receive the intercession of Menxvan.<br /> <br /> In addition, the temples also serve as repositories of knowledge and history, containing accounts of the deeds of the faithful, and the collected teachings of particularly holy people, to be passed on for the edification of the people. In many areas, temples are the only source of education available. Menxvanic temples will teach literacy and basic mathematics to any person, provided that they are willing to work in the service of the temple for the duration of their studies. Temples also serve the function of hospitals in many areas of the kingdom, housing the sick, the injured, and the dying. Menxvanic priests are well versed in the arts of medicine and healing, and a number of them are also versed in the ways of magical healing.<br /> <br /> =The Origin of Things=<br /> <br /> A little while after the separation of the parts of the world out of Menxned, Van worked iron upon his anvil, and struck it with his hammer, and made out of it a great iron plate. Ruk was envious of Van for having this plate, and he decided to take it for himself. He seized it with both his hands, but Van held tight to it, and the more Ruk pulled, the firmer grew Van's grip. Finally the plate broke into a million pieces, and these pieces were scattered throughout the sky by a great wind. Ruk then said, &quot;I can make a better plate myself,&quot; and went off to make a plate of his own. In the meantime, Van made another iron plate upon his anvil, brighter and bigger than the first one. Ruk made a plate as well, but he made his out of stone and bone, and as he was making on it he kept thinking of the first plate, which had broken, and so the plate he made kept breaking and coming back together again. Finally, Van and Ruk came together and compared their plates, but they could not agree on which was the better plate. So Van and Ruk together made the first Man to judge which plate was the better of the two.<br /> <br /> Man looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate, and then he said, &quot;I'm thirsty, and I can't decide which plate is better until I have something to drink.&quot; And so Van and Ruk together made the Sea and the Lakes so that Man would have something to drink, so that they could hear from him which was the better plate.<br /> <br /> Man looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate, and then he said, &quot;I'm hungry, and I can't decide on an empty stomach which plate is better.&quot; And so Van and Ruk together made all the edible animals and all the edible plants so that Man would have something to eat, so that they could hear from him which was the better plate. Man looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate, and then he said, &quot;I'm lonely, and I can't decide which plate is better while I'm feeling depressed.&quot; And so Van and Ruk together made another person, and called the person Woman, so that Man would not be lonely, so that they could hear from him which was the better plate.<br /> <br /> Man and Woman looked first at Van's plate and then at Ruk's plate. And then, finally, Man said that in his opinion Van's plate was the better one. But Woman said that in her opinion Ruk's plate was the better one. So Van and Ruk pulled their hair and cried out that they still had not learned which was the better plate. And so they decided they needed yet another person to break the tie, and gave the Man and the Woman their distinctive features, so that they would have a child.<br /> <br /> The first time Woman gave birth, she gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, and the boy agreed with his father, and the girl with her mother. And so Van and Ruk waited.<br /> <br /> The second time Woman gave birth, she gave birth to quadruplets, two boys and two girls, and the two boys agreed with their father, and the two girls with their mother. And so Van and Ruk waited. The third time Woman gave birth, she gave birth to sextuplets, three boys and three girls, and the three boys agreed with their father, and the three girls with their mother.<br /> <br /> Ruk finally grew impatient of waiting, and he took both of the plates and flung them into the sky, cursing, &quot;Let you fly off into the sky like a bird, let you hide under the ground like a root!&quot; Van's plate became the Sun, and Ruk's plate became the Moon, and because Ruk had cursed them both to fly like birds and burrow like roots, they keep rising through the sky and falling under the ground, day after day, year after year. And this is also how Man and Woman first came to be, and even to this day they often do not agree about what is best.<br /> <br /> -- This story was collected from an illiterate peasant woman in the Sresar Vale by Professor Kenglith of the Royal Arangothian University, a close colleague of Serisious Blendwythe. <br /> <br /> [[Category:Arangothian Customs and Rituals]] [[Category: Menxism]]</div>

Bornfor